The 2025 NFL Draft has finished. The Pittsburgh Steelers had two distinct intentions during this draft. They understood the holes on the roster, they needed to deal with them, and they wanted to be more physical overall. All things considered, the Steelers’ draft class looks like an impressive class.
Physicality was something they saw early and often at their choice. The Steelers decided on Oregon DT Derrick Harmon, starting in the first round, starting with the first round. Harmon is certainly a good guy, and former Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger also has a high interest in him. I’ll talk about his Footburlin podcast With a new episode aired on Wednesday.
“I think this is a great choice,” Roethlisberger said of Harmon. “…Yes, there are some quarterback needs out there, but that wasn’t the most disastrous need… I’m really excited about this pick.”
Roethlisberger referenced Shedeur Sanders as the quarterback on the board and instead thought he might have been the Steelers’ pick in the first round. But like everyone else, the Steelers knew how much they needed to add depth to the line of defence. After Harmon, the Steelers took Yahiya Black in the fifth round.
Running backs were another big need. Pittsburgh continued its theme of physicality and acquired Caleb Johnson in the third round, one of the most difficult runners of the overall draft. Roethlisberger was also a fan of that selection.
“He’s the physicality you need to balance your offense,” Roethlisberger said. “…It might have been out of reach, but you knew you needed another running back.”
Roethlisberger says Johnson could have been “reach.” This is a topic that has emerged since Johnson was drafted. However, Johnson scored 1,537 rushing yards and 23 total touchdowns during the 2024 season. It was even more impressive given the fact that he played in the toughest meetings of all college football, and the only real threat to Iowa’s offense. Johnson also appears to be a perfect fit for Arthur Smith’s plans.
Johnson’s role in the backfield is hard to ignore. Jalen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell are both small backs, but Johnson is the opposite, bringing the physicality Pittsburgh needs in the backfield.
The Steelers kicked off the third day with another defensive lineman from Ohio State, Jack Sawyer. Roethlisberger is also a fan of this selection, and he wasn’t even saying that Sawyer could do things the way the Steelers did.
“The picks came out. Yes, that’s a good pick,” Roethlisberger said. “he [Jack Sawyer] It feels like a big play guy… this is a great pick… I feel that’s right. I feel like someone who becomes a steeler and does things the way the Steelers do. I love this pick. ”
Although the edge positions are not deeply missing, it is clear that the Steelers felt pressured to add to the defensive line in general. Sawyer has his limitations, but he has to be a great depth section. He has experience rushing passersby from the edge, lined up inside the line and returning to coverage. Learning behind TJ Watt in the near future should also help Sawyer.
Finally, the Steelers began closing their draft class in the sixth round with quarterback Will Howard. That’s a position where Roethlisberger knows better than anyone else, and he thinks Howard will be a welcome addition.
“I’m really excited about this pick… I’ve heard really good things about him… For me, it’s a love for the game,” Roethlisberger said. “I’m excited to get to the NFL without caring about where it’s being drafted, without caring about rounds being drafted, and that’s what you want.”
Depending on whether Aaron Rodgers will eventually sign, there will be time for Howard to see the field in the near future. However, he offers great value to Pittsburgh in the sixth round. Howard played the best football of his career at the most important time in 2024, leading Ohio State to the national championship through several dominant performances during half of the season.
The praise of Roethlisberger is similar to each of the four players he named here. But it’s hard to blame him. The Steelers have met their needs and found players that should fit seamlessly in their locker rooms. Most of these choices could have a realistic impact in 2025. That’s exactly what the Steelers want from their draft class.
