Grading the Steelers' draft

Field Level Media|published: Sat 26th April, 22:17 2025

Feb 27, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Oregon defensive lineman Derrick Harmon (DL15) participates in drills during the 2025 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Pittsburgh Steelers

Grade: C-

Best Pick: DT Derrick Harmon, No. 21 overall

What We Liked: Lots of big, strong men in this draft. Harmon and Yahya Black (No. 164) shore up the defensive tackle room, giving quick fixes to one-tech and three-tech, hopefully opening up edge rusher T.J. Watt and linebacker Alex Highsmith to converting even more pressures into sacks. Kaleb Johnson (No. 83) feels like he provides the strength and vision coach Mike Tomlin loves from his running backs that he wasn't getting from Najee Harris. The traits are there that we associate with the Steelers, and it seems like the team has found guys that fit their standards.

Not Sure About: This draft feels like it does not solve the Steelers' problems. It's one thing to tap out on quarterback despite having many chances to add a starting-level body to the room (see Shedeur Sanders), but to not add competition at nickel or another pass-catcher until well into day three feels like the team took "take the best player available" just a little too far. The organization lost sight of what was necessary by chasing gritty strength guys and lacked finesse. Do they really need edge Jack Sawyer (No. 123)?

--Dean Bruce, special to Field Level Media

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