Since the 2013 NFL season, the Pittsburgh Steelers' draft history has been subpar at best. Lately, it seems like it's turning around a bit with Omar Khan taking over as general manager, but there is still plenty of work to be done. Even though the 2025 season hasn't started yet, it's safe to say that some of the biggest needs for the team in 2026 will include wide receiver, defensive back, and last but not least, a future franchise quarterback. Pittsburgh is not close to being where they want to be, but they can take a step in the right direction.
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Steelers General Manager Omar Khan talks on the phone during a practice in the Steel City.
While making an appearance on Green Light with Chris Long, former Steelers safety Ryan Clark explained why Pittsburgh was so ineffective at drafting in previous years, and he compared it to a recent Super Bowl champion's drafting pattern.
"[Howie Roseman] finds this era's Eagles guys. When you pick a dude, you can say, 'That dude's an Eagle,'" Clark said. "Pittsburgh went away from that, to me, for a little bit, especially toward the end of Ben [Roethlisberger's] career. I felt like they were trying to capitalize on that, and it was, 'Let's go draft for need, and this player can fit here."
General Manager Howie Roseman and the Philadelphia Eagles have managed to build a super-team that dominated throughout the 2024 NFL Playoffs, including a Super Bowl victory that seemed to be over before halftime. Instead of addressing specific needs, the Eagles tend to find the best player available and figure out the perfect role for him. They drafted defensive tackle with top 15 picks in back-to-back years. While it seemed unnecessary to load up on that position, it worked out in the end, as their defensive line had their way with just about anyone who went against them last season.
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Steelers' Darius Slay celebrates after winning a Super Bowl with the Eagles.
Meanwhile, the Steelers have used their picks in recent years to reach on guys like Najee Harris and Terrell Edmunds. Some could argue that those players didn't embody the Steeler Way, but they filled a need and made Head Coach Mike Tomlin happy with certain traits. They were building a team to stay competitive, as opposed to one that had the ability to go far into the playoffs.
Clark continued on and gave an example of how Pittsburgh loaded up on "Steelers" as opposed to just drafting a quick fix to a massive problem.
"In one year after James Harrison has a Pro Bowl year, we go draft Lawrence Timmons and LaMarr Woodley, who both played the same position: James' position," Clark explained. "But they were Steelers, and we figured out, 'Wait, Lawrence Timmons can play off the ball, and he's a downhill thumper, and he's fast, and we can use him as a dime,' but he was a Steeler, and I think that's what Howie Roseman and the Eagles have done a little bit better than the Steelers have late in Ben's career and a little bit after."
Both Lawrence Timmons and LaMarr Woodley became key contributors for the Steelers in the late 2000s and early 2010s. Adding that talent to an already-fearful defense just gave them an even higher ceiling, a lot more depth, and plenty of extra talent. They didn't reach on a third-round receiver in the first round just to fit a need. They got Steelers.
Matt Freed / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Former Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Lawrence Timmons and cornerback William Gay celebrated after a big play.
Steelers Are Trying To Get Back To "Steelers DNA"
In the 2025 NFL Draft, the Steelers looked to pick out players that they believe had "Steelers DNA" as opposed to just grabbing needs. Running back was not a major need, but getting Kaleb Johnson in the third round to add some extra power to Pittsburgh's run-first offense couldn't hurt. The last position it needed was edge rusher, but when Jack Sawyer is just sitting there in the fourth round, grabbing him and getting some extra depth at the position is a no-brainer.
Khan proudly boasted that the team loaded up on players who had that Steelers DNA after the draft concluded. Nobody that got drafted by Pittsburgh was seen as a reach. In fact, many players were seen as being tremendous value picks, including Derrick Harmon in the first round. If Khan and his staff keep this up, they should go back to being a team full of elite talent soon enough.
What do you think about Clark saying Pittsburgh didn't draft Steelers for many years? Let us know in the comments or on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.
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