Pittsburgh Steelers selected key defensive and offensive talents in the 2025 NFL Draft, prioritizing their defensive line amid roster needs. The draft, held in late April 2025, saw them pass on quarterbacks like Shedeur Sanders to bolster defense-first identity under Mike Tomlin.

Full Draft Picks

Here's the confirmed list of Pittsburgh Steelers' 2025 NFL Draft selections, drawn from live coverage and post-draft analyses.

RoundPick #PlayerPositionCollege
121Derrick HarmonDTOregon
383Kaleb JohnsonRBIowa
4123Jack SawyerEDGEOhio State
5164Yahya BlackDT/NTIowa
6185Will HowardQBOhio State
7226Caron BruenerLBWashington
7229Donte KentCBCentral Michigan

Round 1: Derrick Harmon (DT, Oregon)

Harmon was the Steelers' top pick at No. 21, addressing "extreme urgency" on the defensive line as Cameron Heyward nears 36. He brings pass-rush skills and hand technique, fitting seamlessly into their system over QB options.

Later Rounds Highlights

  • Kaleb Johnson (RB, Iowa) : A smart inside runner in Round 3, filling a key need with vision and efficiency.
  • Jack Sawyer (EDGE, Ohio State) : Round 4 value pick with big-play knack, bolstering run defense alongside T.J. Watt.
  • Defensive Focus : Four of seven picks targeted the trenches (Harmon, Black, Sawyer), plus Big Ten ties like Iowa duo Johnson/Black.

Trending Fan Takes

Fans on forums buzzed about the defense-heavy haul, with Reddit threads praising late-round value from recent drafts including 2025. Some mocks varied (e.g., extra Penn State picks), but actual results trended toward Iowa/Ohio State talent.

TL;DR : Steelers loaded up on defensive linemen like Harmon and Black, added RB Johnson and EDGE Sawyer—staying true to gritty roots.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.