Steelers Fans On High Alert After Jack Sawyer Makes Bold Comments About 2026 Season

When the Pittsburgh Steelers made their pick to draft linebacker Jack Sawyer 123rd overall in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, many Steelers fans were immediately elated, feeling like the team had stolen a great value pick. Sawyer was dominant at Ohio State, but he fell in the draft due to concerns about his athletic burst. Some pundits also questioned his pass-rush technique, noting that he often relied on power over speed, which contributed to teams letting him slip to the fourth round.

In his rookie season, Sawyer was thrust into action far more than many expected and showed clear promise on the field. Despite the jump in competition, he demonstrated the ability to disrupt plays and contribute in multiple defensive roles. There is a growing belief that he could develop into a productive rotation player and potentially even a star under new defensive coordinator Patrick Graham’s system.

Recently, while speaking with teammate Christian Kuntz on his podcast, Sawyer revealed some bold comments about the 2026 season and beyond. He emphasized his focus on continuous improvement and getting better each year, signaling that he is fully committed to developing into a cornerstone of the Steelers’ defense. Fans now have even more reason to be excited about his future in Pittsburgh.

"I guess for me, just the schedule and the way the NFL treats you like grown men," Sawyer said about the biggest differences from the college game to the NFL game. "It's on you to get your stuff down outside of the hours and the restraints of when we're in there doing our work. I think the biggest thing I've got to work on, which I feel like I got better at as the year went on, just kind of letting it go and not thinking."

Adjusting to the speed and complexity of the NFL has been a challenge Sawyer admits is unlike anything in college. Every week, he studies film of opposing offenses, looking for tendencies and weak spots he can exploit. The mental grind extends beyond practice and games, requiring constant preparation and awareness. 

Despite the steep learning curve, Sawyer feels his rookie season taught him valuable lessons that will carry over into 2026 and beyond.

"I think trusting in what you've got," Sawyer said. "Obviously, I need to work on my get-off still is huge for my position. Using my hands, and then just being aware, too. You can pick up things. Trends in the NFL are huge offensively. If you can pick up on trends. That part of the game makes a huge difference."

In his rookie season in Pittsburgh, Sawyer racked up 34 total tackles (16 solo, 18 assisted), one sack, and two interceptions across 17 games. It was a solid debut, and many felt the fourth-round pick had overachieved. 

Steelers' Jack Sawyer Gets Hands-On Mentorship From TJ Watt

Now, he enters the 2026 season hungry to prove he’s not just a role player, but someone with the potential to develop into a TJ Watt-type force. Luckily for Sawyer, he gets to learn from Watt firsthand while playing on the same defense, giving him a blueprint for success.

With a strong rookie season under his belt and mentorship from Watt, Sawyer enters 2026 ready to take the next step. Fans are starting to see his potential as more than a role player, and under Graham’s defense, Sawyer could develop into a true game-changer for the Steelers in the years to come.

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