With the 123rd selection of the 2025 NFL Draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers selected Ohio State EDGE rusher Jack Sawyer. Pittsburgh adds pass-rush depth behind T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, and Nick Herbig.
With a long list of athletic bloodlines, Sawyer recorded 144 tackles (29 for a loss) with 23 sacks throughout his Buckeyes career. Measuring in at 6042, 260 pounds with 31 3/4-inch arms, Sawyer racked up nine tackles for a loss and nine sacks last season for Ohio State.
Our scouting report praised his power and ability to make plays in the game’s biggest moments, including during the Buckeyes’ national title run in 2024. We concluded:
“Jack Sawyer is a very talented player and has been since high school, which is what warranted him a five-star rating. Although, he hasn’t exactly lived up to those lofty expectations associated with that rating. Even though he has gotten better every year at Ohio State, he still is considerably raw going into the NFL draft when looking at his 23-year-old age.
“He has solid power and is disciplined in the run game but hardly offers anything as a finesse rusher, which limits his ceiling. He has the floor due to frame and athleticism but needs to expand his game more than that to thrive in the NFL and potentially be a full-time starter.”
We gave him a third-round grade, creating strong value as a fourth-round selection.
Sawyer’s most memorable play came on this fumble return touchdown against Texas last season in the College Football Playoffs, sealing the Buckeyes’ victory.
Speaking about the pick, DC Teryl Austin confirmed that the Steelers had a formal meeting with Sawyer at the NFL Combine. Mike Tomlin and Austin attended his Pro Day, and the team had a dinner with Sawyer, though Austin said he didn’t personally attend it.
A top high school recruit, Sawyer has some of the strongest athletic bloodlines in the NFL Draft. His grandfather was a pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates’ minor league system. His father and mother also played high school and college sports.
Check out our full scouting report on Jack Sawyer below.
