The Pittsburgh Steelers, currently sitting at a strong 3-1 record and in a favorable position within the AFC North, have executed an impressive and widely underestimated masterstroke with their 2025 NFL Draft class. The success of this class is not merely defined by a single superstar but by its deep contribution to the defense and an outstanding long-term succession plan at the quarterback position. The front office, led by General Manager Omar Khan, has successfully navigated the dual mandate of maximizing the short-term Super Bowl window with quarterback Aaron Rodgers while securing the organization’s long-term future.
Through the first four games of the season, the Steelers’ rookie class has delivered immediate and significant contributions on the defensive side of the ball. Four Steelers rookies have been named to The Athletic’s early All-Rookie Team as honorable mentions, proving the quality and depth of the defensive haul.
The key defensive contributors are:
- Jack Sawyer (Linebacker): A well-rounded prospect who is quickly growing into a productive depth piece. Sawyer has graded out exceptionally well, ranking fifth among all rookie front-seven players in the NFL who have logged snaps, surpassing highly touted players.
- Carson Bruener (Linebacker): A scrappy, physical player who was considered a question mark to make the roster but is now actively making plays.
- Derrick Harmon (Defensive Lineman): A solid football player who is contributing immediately and is one of the better-graded rookies in the NFL.
- Yahya Black (Defensive Lineman): Considered a draft steal, Black is an excellent run-stuffer whose early performance ranks him among the better rookies in the league, despite being viewed as a longshot for a significant role by some analysts.
The contribution of these players is not just about current performance; it is a critical part of the Steelers’ succession planning. As veterans like Cameron Heyward and other defensive staples age or move on, these young players are gaining valuable experience to step into larger roles, securing the long-term strength of the defense.
This immediate success represents a major cultural shift for the Steelers. Just a few years ago, the organization was notably hesitant to play rookies early in their careers (see how Pittsburgh handled first round pick Broderick Jones). Now, there is a clear change in mentality, prioritizing getting young playmakers on the field to make an immediate impact.
The second and most intriguing part of the draft class is the selection of quarterback Will Howard in the sixth round. Howard, a national champion, has been impressive in practice in Pittsburgh and is viewed as having a decent chance to be the long-term answer at the position.
While Howard suffered a hand injury that landed him on injured reserve, his conduct during rehab is a phenomenal sign for his future. Per Steelers Nation, quarterbacks coach Tom Arth praised Howard for his professionalism, noting that he is in the best shape he has been in since becoming a Steeler. Howard did not slack off despite the injury as is common for rookie backups. Instead, he worked diligently with the strength and conditioning staff to improve his physical condition and remained mentally sharp, working closely with Aaron Rodgers to gain a deeper understanding of the NFL offense.
This preparation style, treating his rehab and mental preparation as if he were the starter returning to the field, mirrors the habits of franchise quarterbacks. Howard has checked every box in terms of the mental side of the game, work ethic, and physical toughness. This sixth-round pick, combined with the instant defensive depth, proves that the Steelers’ front office is executing a phenomenal draft strategy that simultaneously addresses their immediate needs and secures the franchise’s future.
Overall, the 2025 draft class is a complete success, one that has significantly improved the team’s depth and secured its long-term outlook, proving that the Steelers have truly outsmarted everyone.
Disclaimer: The content of this article was originally published as a YouTube video on the Saturday Morning Inspection YouTube channel. With AI assistance, the publisher of the video created this article based on the content of that video.
