The Pittsburgh Steelers’ 2025 draft class received mixed reviews from the national media. Some experts raved about the Steelers’ draft haul, while others like Mel Kiper Jr., were not blown away.
Below is roundup of excerpts from national media members grades on the Steelers’ draft class.
Pro Football Focus — B+
“Instead of snagging a quarterback in Round 1, the Steelers opt to build perhaps the scariest defensive front in the NFL. Harmon profiles as an excellent successor to Cameron Heyward, who is entering his age-36 season. He can contribute right out of the gate after earning a 91.2 PFF pass-rush grade against true pass sets in 2024, tied for the highest among interior defenders in this year’s class.”
“Johnson goes from black and yellow to black and yellow, providing the Steelers with an early-down force. He logged 21 touchdowns with an 86.5 PFF rushing grade in 2024 while averaging a monstrous 4.42 yards after contact per attempt. While he lacks receiving production, Johnson gives the Steelers a bruiser with the ball in his hands.”
Vinnie Iyer of The Sporting News — A
“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.”
Matt Verderame of Sports Illustrated — A
“The Steelers had only three picks through the first four rounds as a result of the DK Metcalf trade, but still managed to walk away with a fantastic class. Pittsburgh found a heavy-handed defensive tackle in Harmon, who can both anchor against the run and get pressures in the passing game. Then there’s Johnson, who ran for 1,537 yards and 21 touchdowns last year with the Hawkeyes, leading the Big Ten in both categories. Harmon and Johnson should contribute immediately.
“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.”
Chad Reuter of NFL.com — A
“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.
“The Pittsburgh Steelers had their chance to select a quarterback like Shedeur Sanders or Jaxson Dart with the 21st pick. Despite not having a long-term answer at the position—Pittsburgh may eventually reach an agreement with a 41-year-old Aaron Rodgers for the 2025 season—the Steelers opted for Oregon defensive lineman Derrick Harmon instead.”
Nate Davis of USA Today — B+
“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 of CBS Sports — B-
“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.”
Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report — C
“Harmon, the third-ranked defensive tackle on the B/R board, does make sense for the Steelers. He’s a big (6’5″, 313 lbs), disruptive interior defender, and 35-year-old Cameron Heyward can’t man the middle forever.
“We were on the clock,” head coach Mike Tomlin said Thursday night. “We got the player that we wanted.”
The Steelers selected Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson in the third round — the Steelers sent their second-round pick to Seattle for wide receiver DK Metcalf.
“The Steelers needed a physical running back to pair with the shifty Jaylen Warren. They got exactly that in Johnson. Edge-rusher Jack Sawyer also fills Pittsburgh’s need for a situational edge-rusher, and he provided good value in the fourth round.”
Sawyer was the 84th-ranked prospect on the B/R board.
“This was a very Steelers-like draft, and most of their picks should mesh with Pittsburgh’s locker room culture. The biggest issue is that the team desperately needed a long-term quarterback plan but didn’t draft a signal-caller before taking a sixth-round flier on Will Howard.
“Including Metcalf as part of the draft haul keeps the Steelers from getting a more disappointing grade.”
Pete Prisco of CBS — C+
Best Pick: “It was their first one. They passed on a quarterback to take defensive tackle Derrick Harmon. He’s going to be a typical Steelers down player for years to come, which means menacing.”
Worst Pick: “I like running back Kaleb Johnson, who went in the third, but I thought there were better options at the position when he was picked. I think they see him as a Le’veon Bell type of back, but that’s asking a lot.”
The Skinny: “They didn’t take a quarterback until taking Will Howard in the sixth, which says a lot about how they felt about this class. Instead, they did what the Steelers usually do, which is take big people to help their defense. Getting Harmon was a smart move, rather than forcing a quarterback in the first.”
Mel Kiper Jr. of ESPN — B-
“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-.”
