The Steelers approached the 2025 NFL Draft with clear priorities: reinforce the defensive line, add dynamic depth at running back, infuse the edge/linebacker rotation, and take developmental shots at quarterback and special-teams contributors. Their class has six drafted players and one late pick for return skills. Below is a look at each selection and what they’ve done so far.

 

1. Derrick Harmon, DT (Round 1, Pick 21)

 

Selection & Role: The Steelers used their first-round pick — 21st overall — on Oregon defensive tackle Derrick Harmon, aiming to bolster interior pass rush and run-stopping capabilities. Later reports confirmed he signed a standard rookie deal. 

 

Contribution to Date: Harmon has quickly become one of the rookies expected to see meaningful snaps, particularly given Pittsburgh’s need to rotate and manage veteran wear at the line. Analysts have ranked him as the top rookie in terms of projected playing time for 2025, given his early grasp of technique, pass pressure ability, and the team’s investment in his role. 

 

Given that Cam Heyward and Keeanu Benton remain in place, Harmon’s early workload is more rotational than full starter, but his presence already improves depth and gives the defense fresh energy.

 

2. Kaleb Johnson, RB (Round 3, Pick 83)

 

Selection & Role: In the third round, the Steelers selected Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson, a physical ball carrier to complement Jaylen Warren and the backfield rotation. 

 

Contribution to Date: Johnson ranks behind Harmon in projected snaps among the rookie class. He’s expected to contribute in early-down roles, short-yardage situations, and give Warren rest where needed. His fit with Pittsburgh’s zone-heavy running scheme gives him an advantage in pass protection and power runs. 

 

He hasn’t displaced Warren yet (nor likely intended to), but Johnson offers a desirable blend of size and reliability that could see him involved more heavily as the season wears on.

 

3. Jack Sawyer, OLB (Round 4, Pick 123)

 

Selection & Role: The Steelers added Ohio State edge rusher Jack Sawyer in the fourth round to bolster their pass-rush rotation and depth behind veterans like T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith. 

 

Contribution to Date: Sawyer ranks in the mid-tier of projected snap participation among Steelers rookies. Given the physical demands on edge defenders and the frequency of injury in that group, his rotational contributions and special-teams snaps are expected to increase as the season progresses. For now, his impact is more developmental — absorbing the scheme, learning from veterans, and being available when needed.

 

4. Yahya Black, DL (Round 5, Pick 164)

 

Selection & Role: The Steelers’ fifth-round choice, Yahya Black from Iowa, is a big-bodied interior defensive lineman with length and two-gap ability — traits Pittsburgh values for run defense. 

 

Contribution to Date: Like many mid-round draftees, Black’s early role is rotational. He is ranked just behind Sawyer and Johnson in projected rookie usage. His primary impact has been in depth, situational run downs, and possibly special teams in early packages. As his technique develops and physical strength increases, he could see more consistent snaps.

 

5. Will Howard, QB (Round 6, Pick 185)

 

Selection & Role: With their sixth-round pick, Pittsburgh selected Ohio State quarterback Will Howard. The pick is primarily developmental — a long-term project behind Rodgers rather than an immediate starter. 

 

Contribution to Date: Howard has had limited on-field contribution so far. He fractured his hand during training camp, which sidelined him for much of the preseason and early regular-season preparation. That injury significantly limited his ability to practice and compete, so his on-field value in 2025 is currently constrained.

 

Despite that setback, the Steelers and observers still view Howard as an intriguing developmental option. His progression — once healthy — will be watched closely, especially in light of Pittsburgh’s need to plan for the post-Rodgers era.

 

6. Carson Bruener, LB (Round 7, Pick 226)

 

Selection & Role: In the seventh round, the Steelers selected Washington linebacker Carson Bruener, known for his motor, instincts, and special teams upside. 

 

Contribution to Date: Bruener has contributed mostly on special teams so far, with very limited defensive snaps (in fact, just one defensive snap through four games) . His early value lies in his reliability, work ethic, and ability to carve a niche in the third phase. The Steelers utilize depth linebackers heavily, so if injuries occur or performance dips, Bruener is positioned to receive more opportunities gradually.