4 of Steelers 2025 NFL Draft picks land in Top 100
In the wake of the 2025 NFL Draft it is time to start diving deep into the evaluation of all 32 teams’ picks. Everyone does this differently, and at ESPN they put a unique spin on the evaluation on different variables which could impact where a player was drafted.
Here was the criteria set forth by Matt Miller:
“Here, we factored in value (where a player was drafted vs. where he was ranked pre-draft), scheme fit, how the selection addressed a need, what the prospect brings on the field and whether additional assets were gained or lost in draft-day trades to acquire him. Every round is represented, and there are even 38 picks from Day 3 among these 100 highlighted selections.”
So, with the criteria out of the way, let’s get to how many of the Pittsburgh Steelers seven draft picks found their way into Miller’s Top 100 picks of the 2025 draft:
43. Kaleb Johnson, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers (Pick 3-83)
My final overall ranking: No. 44
Miller’s Take: “One of the first things that comes to mind when thinking about the Steelers is powerful, physical backs who run downhill. Johnson punished defenses at Iowa (and also excelled on outside zone carries). And Pittsburgh got him 39 spots lower than where I ranked him.”
48. Jack Sawyer, Edge, Pittsburgh Steelers (Pick 4-123)
My final overall ranking: No. 62
Miller’s Take: “Sawyer’s hard-nosed, all-hustle mentality makes him another classic Steelers pick. He has some tightness that might limit his every-down ability, but Sawyer has proved to be a playmaker in big games. (See Michigan and Texas last season.)”
55. Derrick Harmon, DT, Pittsburgh Steelers (Pick 1-21)
My final overall ranking: No. 26
Miller’s Take: “We can debate about whether Pittsburgh should have taken a quarterback with this pick, but Harmon checked off the team’s other biggest need. He’ll also get the chance to learn from a legend in Cameron Heyward.”
76. Will Howard, QB, Pittsburgh Steelers (Pick 6-185)
My final overall ranking: No. 85
Miller’s Take: “There aren’t high expectations for Howard, but he outperformed them throughout his college career, so he could do it again. He’ll be a QB3 option as a rookie but has room to rise given the lack of youth on the Steelers’ quarterback depth chart.”
Whether you believe Miller’s assessment or not, it shouldn’t shock any Steelers fan considering the team has been lauded since the draft concluded about the massive amount of value they got throughout the 3-day selection process. When you look at picks like Kaleb Johnson, Jack Sawyer and Will Howard, all of whom made the Top 100 rankings, being drafted one, maybe even two, rounds after many expected them to go off the board.
Do you agree with these rankings? Do you think the Steelers draft screamed value, or do you disagree with the aforementioned narrative? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below, and be sure to stay tuned to SCN for the latest news and notes surrounding the Steelers as they prepare for the rest of the 2025 offseason.
I don’t have a problem withhese rankings.
If I did a pre-draft mock where I had the Steelers selecting 1. Harmon, 2. Johnson, 3. Sawyer, and 4. Howard I’d have been told this is a never gonna happen dream scenario, and I should be realistic. Then I’d have been challenged to explain how the Steelers got back into the second to land Johnson.
I can’t believe they got these 4 players WITHOUT a 2nd round pick, AND there’s a great big DL in there for good measure. Khan, and Weidl are getting amazing value in the draft. What more can you ask for? This looks a rock solid foundational draft of top quality meat and potatoes players, at positions of need. I am happy. They need to do a little more 0in free agency, but there will be another opportunity for that in good time. Looking forward to OTA’s!
Three consecutive drafts where Pgh acquired men that fit a plan, well that is pretty good. Soon comes time for the coaches and staff to help the fellows successfully execute the Steeler designs in stadium. I’m here for it.