The Pittsburgh Steelers have been praised for the way they handled the 2025 NFL Draft, despite the fact that the players have not even been able to experience any NFL action yet. The Steelers did a good job addressing crucial needs, while also procuring value with many of their picks, and the draft class has the chance to be extremely special. Players like Derrick Harmon and Kaleb Johnson should be in a position to make an impact right away in their rookie years, and maybe even Yahya Black, depending on how the defensive line shakes out.
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Steelers' Derrick Harmon on the bench during his time with Oregon in 2024.
One of the picks that got the fan base the most excited during the 2025 NFL Draft was when Pittsburgh selected Jack Sawyer in the fourth round of the event. He wasn't really on the radar of many fans due to the way the outside linebacker room already looked for the Steelers. He probably won't see the field much on defense as he will be playing behind TJ Watt, Alex Highsmith, and Nick Herbig, but he will likely have a chance to make his mark on special teams.
Sawyer was recently speaking with Cam Heyward and Highsmith on Not Just Football With Cam Heyward, and he was asked for his draft story when he revealed that the Steelers were actively trying to trade up for him.
"For me, it was kind of like a little bit of a rollercoaster," Sawyer said. "Going into the draft, I heard I was going on Day 2. Like regardless. I'm thinking I'm going either in the second or third round, and obviously that doesn't happen. It was a long night after that. In fact, a couple few too many adult beverages. I woke up with like a hour left before the draft on Day 3. My agents calling me, he's like, 'Hey, I've been on the phone with the Steelers all day, they're trying to trade up to get you.' I was like, 'Man, I'm not believing anything.'"
Sawyer was disappointed with how he fell in the draft as he was initially told he would be picked on the second day of the event, but he wasn't drafted until the Steelers took him with the 123rd overall pick. Before the third day of the draft began, Sawyer's agent gave him the heads up that the Steelers were trying to make a move for him.
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Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Jack Sawyer (#33) participates in the team's rookie minicamp during a workout at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Sunday, May 11, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA.
Most mocks had Sawyer being off the board going into the third day of the 2025 NFL Draft, so Pittsburgh was likely worried that a team was going to try and jump over them to land the outside linebacker. This is probably why the organization was searching for a trade in the fourth round, but luckily one was not needed. Sawyer was able to fall to Pittsburgh, which is the perfect landing spot for the young defender. He has been known for making splash plays throughout his football career, so he should be able to do that with the limited opportunities he is going to get on defense early.
Steelers' Jack Sawyer Got Put Into The Perfect Learning Environment
There was no better team for Sawyer to go to in order to be able to develop and learn while adjusting to life in the NFL. He gets to sit behind and take notes from Watt, Highsmith, and Herbig, while also ingratiating himself into one of the best football cultures in the NFL.
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Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebackers Alex Highsmith (56) and Nick Herbig (51) stand on the sideline at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA during the national anthem.
He might not see the field as much as he wants to during the early days of his career, but he should have a decent amount of opportunities to make some plays on special teams and on defense.
What do you think about Sawyer's draft day story? Let us know in the comments below!
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