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The Pittsburgh Steelers completed their 2025 NFL draft on Saturday evening, with the team adding five more players to a class that includes seven in total.
The Steelers addressed several key needs during the course of the three-day event. Pittsburgh added two defensive linemen, a running back and made the long-awaited selection of a quarterback in Round 6. Pittsburgh also added to its cornerbacks, edge rushers and linebackers rooms with one pick each.
Just in case you missed it, here's a look at the entire Steelers 2025 NFL draft class, as well as a look at the undrafted free agents the team has agreed to terms with, according to Burt Lauten.
Steelers 2025 NFL draft class
- Round 1, Pick No. 21: DL Derrick Harmon, Oregon
- Round 3, Pick No. 83: RB Kaleb Johnson, Iowa
- Round 4, Pick No. 123: EDGE Jack Sawyer, Ohio State
- Round 5, Pick No. 164 (from KC): DT Yahya Black, Iowa
- Round 6, Pick No. 185 (from SEA): QB Will Howard, Ohio State
- Round 7, Pick No. 226 (from KC): LB Carson Bruener, Washington
- Round 7: Pick No. 229 (from PHI): CB Donte Kent, Central Michigan
Steelers UDFA signings
- WR Roc Taylor (Memphis)
- OG Aiden Williams (Minnesota-Duluth)
- FB DJ Thomas-Jones (South Alabama)
- WR Ke’Shawn Williams (Indiana)
- S Sebastian Castro (Iowa)
- K Ben Sauls (Pitt)
- TE JJ Galbreath (South Dakota)
With the 2025 NFL draft officially in the books, experts have begun giving their grades for the Steelers' entire haul. Here's how Pittsburgh fared.
Steelers NFL draft grades
Vinnie Iyer, Sporting News: A (ranked 7th)
Iyer: "The Steelers didn't show much interest in a starting QB option, which suggests Aaron Rodgers is still in play. GM Omar Khan still added the ideal developmental option given Howard's big arm and underrated athleticism are right for their offense. Before that, he got three potential immediate impact players in Harmon and Sawyer for the defensive front and Johnson to take over as their lead early-down power back. Bruener, son of former Steelers tight end Mark, can do plenty for them as a backup defender and special teamer."
Kiper Jr.: "The Steelers must feel really good about their chances of signing Aaron Rodgers. That's the only explanation for their approach to the 2025 draft. And if they don't land Rodgers (or pull some other magic at QB), coach Mike Tomlin's 18-year streak of going at least .500 could end. Mason Rudolph is the current starter. Yet, Pittsburgh added only Will Howard at the position -- in Round 6. He's a backup in the NFL. Instead of getting a quarterback they can win games with right now in Round 1, the Steelers went defensive tackle. Don't get me wrong, Derrick Harmon is perfect for this defense. His 34 pressures when lined up as an interior lineman led the FBS. He combines power and quickness to create chaos. And with Cameron Heyward turning 36 years old, the defensive line had to get some youthful reinforcements. The pick itself is really good, but it just seems like Pittsburgh is rolling the dice at its most important position. And think about this, too: The Steelers didn't have a second-round pick because they traded it for DK Metcalf. But who is throwing Metcalf the ball??? Elsewhere, Kaleb Johnson will pair nicely with Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell at running back. The Steelers averaged 4.1 yards per carry (tied for 20th). Edge rusher Jack Sawyer and defensive tackle Yahya Black provide some more youth to the defensive line -- and at good value. Sawyer ranked 90th for me but went 123rd. Black ranked 66th but wasn't drafted until 164th overall. And Sawyer's 15.9% pressure rate (eighth in the nation) will help T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith. Again, these are good picks that hit major needs. But this draft class grade will likely come down to Rodgers' decision. That's why I'm giving Pittsburgh a B-."
Reuter: "The Steelers agreed with my projection that Harmon would be a perfect fit on their defensive line. Johnson was good value, as well, in the third at a position of need. Trading their second-round pick for DK Metcalf could pay major dividends for whichever quarterback takes the reins this season. Sawyer dropped down the boards due to average athleticism, but he's an active playmaker who could become a star with the Steelers. Pittsburgh ignored Black's lack of pure athleticism to install his massive frame on the line. Howard needs to improve his deep accuracy but brings everything else a team wants in a backup quarterback. The son of former Pittsburgh tight end Mark Breuner will be a special teams ace. Offensive linemen should be a major priority for the team as they look to sign undrafted free agents."
Nate Davis, USA TODAY: B+ (ranked 5th)
Davis: "Let’s call this a progress report grade – at least until they officially have Rodgers in the building (though worth noting that HC Mike Tomlin didn’t seem too worried about it during an NFL Network interview Saturday). But assuming Rodgers ultimately arrives, he should walk into a locker room that’s more talented than the version that qualified for the playoffs last season. First-round DL Derrick Harmon could be the next Cam Heyward, even as he plays alongside the perennial All-Pro in the short run. Fourth-round OLB Jack Sawyer should juice a pass rush that already had plenty of it beyond T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith. But the real delta here could be third-round RB Kaleb Johnson, perhaps a substantial upgrade from departed Najee Harris and who ought to really thrive if a heavily resourced offensive line fully jells in 2025. And getting Ohio State QB Will Howard in Round 6 at least indicates something of a developmental plan for a team that’s spun its wheels behind center since Ben Roethlisberger retired."
Chris Trapasso, CBS Sports: B-
Trapasso: "General manager Omar Khan did mostly prudent work without a bevy of selections in this draft, although the glaring omission was quarterback, unless you believe in Will Howard. There is some upside with this passer because of his experience and mobility. Ironically, he's a lot like Mason Rudolph. Harmon has some Cam Heyward to him, and Johnson is a smooth operator in a classic, feature-back frame. Sawyer will be a tireless worker up front in a rotational role, and Black adds more beef to the interior. That pick felt forced when another receiver or offensive-line help probably would've been better ideas. Don't sleep on seventh-rounder, Bruener. He has the athleticism and refinement to outplay his draft position at linebacker."
MORE PITTSBURGH STEELERS NFL DRAFT GRADES
Will Howard draft grades: How experts viewed Steelers' QB pick
Kaleb Johnson draft grades: How experts viewed Steelers pick
Yahya Black NFL draft grades: How experts viewed Steelers' fifth-round pick
Jack Sawyer NFL draft grades: How experts viewed Steelers' fourth-round pick
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