The 2025 NFL Draft is officially in the books, and with that, it’s time to review the Pittsburgh Steelers picks. Despite not yet putting on a jersey for the team, analysts are already weighing in on the class with mixed reviews. The latest to give his favorite and least favorite Steelers’ picks is CBS Sports draft analyst Pete Prisco. His favorite selection was the team’s first pick, taking Oregon DL Derrick Harmon 21st overall.
“It was their first one,” wrote Prisco. “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.”
Harmon continued a trend by the Omar Khan and Andy Weidl partnership of investing in the trenches. He is the third straight first-rounder the team has taken on the offensive or defensive side of the ball. More importantly, he fits the Steelers most pressing need with an aging defensive front, who got gashed in their playoff game against the Ravens.
In a perfect world, Harmon is exactly who Prisco says he will be, the next great Steelers defensive tackle, picking up the mantle from Cameron Heyward. But those are lofty expectations early. In the short-term, expect him to be a part of the defensive line, bolstering their run defense.
Now onto the stuff he didn’t like. Surprisingly, Prisco’s least-favorite pick was third-round RB Kaleb Johnson.
“I like running back Kaleb Johnson, who went in the second, but I thought there were better options at the position when he was picked,” wrote Prisco. “I think they see him as a Le’veon Bell type of back, but that’s asking a lot.”
Personally, Johnson was the top running back available on my board at the time of the pick. I fully expected him to be chosen in the second round, so great value in my book. He fits the Arthur Smith scheme to perfection as a patient, wide-zone runner who. Despite a slower 40-yard dash time, he can break big runs. Johnson also presents the perfect ying to Jaylen Warren’s yang as a bigger, stronger back. Moreover, it provides the Steelers with insurance for next season as Warren plays out his one-year, restricted free agent tender.
Overall, Prisco gave Pittsburgh an underwhelming C-plus grade. Hopefully, the class beats his average expectations to become building blocks for the future of the franchise.
