What was the Steelers’ best draft pick over the weekend?
The Steelers added seven new players through the 2025 NFL Draft, but which draft pick represents their best move? This is a different question from asking which player is best, which is almost undoubtedly Derrick Harmon. Instead, I want you to factor in all considerations, including positional value, maneuvering, patience or urgency, and most importantly, value.
The Steelers had a pretty easy decision to make in the first round, taking the top defensive lineman remaining. Especially in hindsight, given that Shedeur Sanders lasted to the fifth round, I think most would agree in principle.
But how about the fifth round and how the Steelers manipulated the board there? They moved back several spots, picking up an extra seventh-round pick, and added another defensive lineman. Yahya Black has, I think, more upside than most of their late-round picks in recent years, and addresses a position of need. Even with a double dip, which many might argue was necessary, he offers versatility to play in multiple spots.
The Steelers chose to remain patient after the first round, having traded their second-round pick for DK Metcalf. But they still landed a good player in the third round; indeed, most expected RB Kaleb Johnson to be off the board. Not only did he address a need, but he represented a value pick and reflected the team’s patience. Rather than forcing the issue, they let the board come to them and they still selected a top-rated player.
In the fourth round, the Steelers made one of their more interesting moves, leaning on value to insulate a position of strength. They already have T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, and Nick Herbig, but Jack Sawyer is an interesting edge player. Herbig is more of a pass-rush specialist, while Sawyer leans a bit more toward the run. Both are pretty well-rounded, but with complementary strengths.
And you are, of course, free to choose from one of the seventh-round picks. Both address special teams first and foremost, with Carson Bruener a likely future Steelers ace. Donte Kent is interesting because he could potential assume return duties. While he returned punts in college, he volunteered to return kicks in his press conference. And kicks are closer to punt returns these days, anyway. And of course if sixth-round QB Will Howard turns into something, the Steelers’ draft will look brilliant.
The Steelers are rebuilding, or reloading, whatever they feel the need to call it, after another disappointment last season. Though they limped into the playoffs, they once again embarrassed themselves therein.
Just like last year, the biggest question hanging over the Steelers is the quarterback question. While it looks like they are keeping George Pickens, they have other decisions to make. The 2025 NFL Draft class is now in place, so most of the roster construction is complete.
But we still have a long offseason ahead for Steelers football, or football in shorts. Certain will-he-or-won’t-he situations remain in play, which we continue to monitor. Now it’s about evaluating the roster in place and filling holes as we go.
