The Steelers' latest picks in the draft display some real effort in bringing back the tough attitude the team is famous for. This article examines each rookie's role and immediate effect on the team's performance, offering a clear view for fans assessing the new talent.
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Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin and kicker Chris Boswell (9) stand on the field and look on as the team works out during a 2025 training camp practice in Latrobe, PA.
The Pittsburgh Steelers operate on a clear principle: the draft is their lifeblood. The 2025 rookie class highlights a push for more toughness and defensive grit on the team. General Manager Omar Khan and head coach Mike Tomlin focused on filling specific needs with players who embody a hard-nosed style. It's essential for fans to recognize the potential these newcomers bring. Their individual successes will directly influence the team's fortunes this coming season.
The Defensive Foundation Begins Inside
Pittsburgh’s first selection set the tone for their entire draft strategy. Choosing Oregon defensive tackle Derrick Harmon addressed the most pressing long-term concern on their defensive line. Utilizing a crypto casino for bets has changed how many fans interact with the NFL, offering a modern platform for placing wagers on outcomes like Harmon’s potential Defensive Rookie of the Year candidacy. But this situation has changed dramatically following the Steelers' preseason finale.
Harmon was expected to clog running lanes and pressure the pocket, helping out edge rushers. While he might not have posted huge sack numbers early on, his value lay in disrupting blocking schemes. However, his recent knee injury complicates things. For online bettors, this situation requires a rethink. As a potential starter, he was a decent pick for props on tackles or sacks, and crypto casinos often have bets on players like him. But with his injury and the Steelers losing depth after Dean Lowry’s ACL tear, the team’s defensive roster is looking a lot less predictable for wagers.
A New Force in the Backfield
Losing Najee Harris created a significant vacancy that needed a specific type of player. Third-round pick Kaleb Johnson from Iowa seems to be that guy. He is a powerful, between-the-tackles runner whose patience and vision are his greatest assets. Johnson is great at spotting his openings and has the power to power through arm tackles easily.
His playing style really suits the zone-running approach that offensive coordinator Arthur Smith likes. He will likely share carries with Jaylen Warren initially, forming a committee backfield. But his potential to seize a larger share of the workload as the season advances makes him an interesting prospect for fantasy managers and a solid option for rushing yardage propositions.
Building Depth in the Pass Rush
You can never have too many players who can pressure the quarterback. The Steelers reinforced this belief by picking Ohio State’s Jack Sawyer in the fourth round. While T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith form one of the league’s best duos, a strong rotation is vital over a long season. Sawyer is a technically sound and relentless edge defender. He wins with strong hand-fighting technique and a non-stop motor, traits that also make him reliable against the run.
His initial role will be as a situational pass rusher and special teams contributor. But his college production suggests he could be a very effective substitute. He presents an interesting option for bets on total sacks or tackles for loss, especially if he capitalizes on limited snaps.
A Project for the Quarterback Room
The team addressed the quarterback position much later than some analysts anticipated. Will Howard from Ohio State arrived in the sixth round as a clear developmental prospect. The current veteran setup means Howard is unlikely to see meaningful playing time as a rookie. His college career demonstrated solid accuracy and the kind of poise that translates well to the professional level.
This selection is about investing in raw tools and potential down the line. While it’s a long shot to assume a sixth-round pick becomes a future star, he is a name to remember for deeper dynasty leagues or far-reaching prop bets.
The Value of a Special Teams Specialist
Seventh-round selections often make the roster through contributions on special teams. Linebacker Carson Bruener from Washington fits this description perfectly. And his bloodlines don’t hurt; his father, Mark, played for the Steelers. Bruener was a tackling machine in college, but his path to a professional paycheck is through coverage units.
This is a pretty unglamorous yet essential role for any successful team. Betting on Bruener to secure a spot on the final 53-man roster is one of the safer wagers you can make on a late-round pick. His value is defined by a specific, needed skill set.
A Late-Round Flyer with Upside
The draft concluded with an intriguing selection in the secondary. Central Michigan cornerback Donte Kent, while undersized, possesses elite speed and a proven ability to find the football. This guy's college stats show he knocked down 47 passes, which means he really knows how to disrupt plays.
The Steelers’ defensive backfield has some gaps, so it looks like there's a chance for someone like Kent to step in and fight for a spot as a backup nickel corner. His immediate impact will likely be felt on special teams, but his ball-hawking skills give him a chance to develop into something more. He is the definition of a high-reward, low-risk selection.
This group of rookies reflects a deliberate plan to return to a core identity. Each player addresses a specific need, whether it's for the present or the future. Their collective development will be a major factor in Pittsburgh's quest to reclaim dominance in the AFC North.
