With the No. 123 overall pick in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers made a move they’re typically known for, drafting a defensive piece in Ohio State OLB Jack Sawyer.
Though OLB behind T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, and Nick Herbig didn’t seem like a big need, the Steelers made the move to land Sawyer, shoring up depth and adding a no-nonsense, tough-as-nails, high-motor player to the defense.
Based on the video of Sawyer getting the phone call from the Steelers, Pittsburgh is where he always wanted to go in the draft. Take a look at that phone call to Sawyer.
The Steelers posted a video on Twitter of Mike Tomlin calling Sawyer to deliver the news he was going to be a Steeler.
“Jack, welcome to Pittsburgh my man…You are our type of guy. Obviously, didn’t take us any time to come to this decision. Itust speaks to what you’ve been able to accomplish, look forward to moving forward with you and just getting some more.”
Sawyer, who grew up in Columbus, Ohio, and stayed with the Buckeyes for four years in an effort to lead the Buckeyes to a national championship. He ultimately helped accomplish that in 2024 as the Buckeyes rolled through the new 12-team College Football Playoff, leading to a blowout win over Notre Dame for the national title.
Now, he makes the short trek to Pittsburgh to join the Black and Gold.
During his time in Columbus, Sawyer recorded 144 tackles (29 for a loss) and 23 sacks throughout his Buckeyes career. He measured in at 6042, 260 pounds with 31 3/4-inch arms and added nine tackles for a loss and nine sacks last season for Ohio State.
The interest from the Steelers was present throughout the pre-draft process, as they had a formal meeting with him at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine and had a Pro Day dinner with him.
Now, that interest from the Steelers has paid off as Sawyer is a Steeler, fitting the type the franchise looks for.
Check out the full scouting report of Sawyer for Steelers Depot below.
