Steelers 2025 Draft: Physicality and Culture

The Pittsburgh Steelers’ 2025 NFL Draft was a masterclass in team building for those who understand real football. Under GM Omar Khan, Assistant GM Andy Weidl, and HC Mike Tomlin, the Steelers stuck to their clear philosophy: dominate the trenches, win the line of scrimmage, and draft players who fit the culture.

Since Khan and Weidl took over, the Steelers have aggressively rebuilt their foundation from the inside out. Over the past three drafts, five of their top picks in the first two rounds have been used on offensive or defensive linemen. This year was no different. After selecting three offensive linemen in 2024, the Steelers doubled down on defense in 2025, adding two more defensive linemen and a big OLB/EDGE. The size and athleticism of these players says everything you need to know about Pittsburgh’s vision.

The message is simple: Pittsburgh isn’t trying to win with finesse. They’re building a team that overwhelms opponents — a team that punches you in the mouth and keeps punching.

The Steelers nailed the 2025 draft by attacking real needs head-on. They didn’t just patch holes; they reinforced the defensive line with talent, depth, and competition, preparing for the eventual departures or reduced snaps of Cam Heyward and T.J. Watt.

After the 2024 season ended in Baltimore, Steelers Nation was left frustrated. Watching the Ravens run all over the defense in the playoffs was a gut punch. Mike Tomlin said in an interview that he began planning for defensive reinforcements “before he even got in the shower” after that game. The depth just wasn’t there. When Cam Heyward is off the field, opponents average nearly a yard more per carry — even worse without T.J. Watt.

So with the 21st overall pick, the Steelers selected DL Derrick Harmon — a versatile big man who can play across the line and, ideally, become a future anchor post-Heyward. Harmon’s presence should help close that gap and allow Heyward to reduce his snap count, improving his effectiveness per play.

In the fourth round, Pittsburgh added OLB Jack Sawyer, a 6’4”, 260-pound high-motor, high-character edge rusher. He fits the mold of classic Steelers linebackers. While Nick Herbig flashes as a pass rusher, he struggles against the run. Sawyer adds size and run-stopping ability, strengthening the rotation behind Watt and Highsmith.

The Steelers struck again in the fifth round, selecting Iowa DL Yahya Black. At 6’6” and over 330 pounds, Black brings rare size and adds more depth up front. Both Harmon and Black are high-character guys who will blend seamlessly into the Steelers’ defensive line room.

In the sixth round, the Steelers added QB Will Howard from Ohio State. A strong, experienced, high-IQ signal-caller, Howard led the Buckeyes to a national title and offers great value as a developmental backup behind Mason Rudolph and potentially Aaron Rodgers.

The culture shift is real. For a while, critics claimed the Steelers had lost “The Steeler Way.” But by adding leaders like Howard and Sawyer, Pittsburgh made a statement. This isn’t just about talent — it’s about setting the tone in the locker room. Winners. Competitors. Culture builders. You can’t have too many of those.

The Steelers also found potential special teams value in the seventh round with LB Carson Bruener and CB/PR Donte Kent — players who could make an immediate impact if they stick.

And don’t worry, I didn’t forget about the third-round pick — my favorite of the draft — running back Kaleb Johnson. Viewed as a second-round talent, Johnson somehow fell to the third. He’s not a burner (4.57 in the 40), but in-game GPS clocked him at 22 mph — DK Metcalf-level top-end speed. He rarely gets caught from behind.

More importantly, he’s exactly what OC Arthur Smith needs. Johnson lets Smith run his offense without changing the scheme to fit personnel. Over 50% of Johnson’s career carries came against boxes of 8+ defenders — the highest in this year’s draft class (min. 250 carries). And he still dominated, ranking second among FBS backs in yards after contact per rush (4.42), behind only Ashton Jeanty. Johnson could challenge for RB1 as early as 2025.

This draft wasn’t flashy. It wasn’t built for casual fans or highlight reels. It was intentional. It addressed foundational needs: stopping the run and running the ball. It added high-character, high-motor players who embody what Pittsburgh football is all about.

Keep checking The Steel Curtain Network for more Steelers updates.

Stay Blessed and Stay Positive… “Here We Go”