Sanders in the Steel City? Breaking Down the Steelers’ Draft Strategy and the QB Competition
The Pittsburgh Steelers entered the 2025 NFL Draft with a clear mission: to rebuild their physicality and address the looming question mark at quarterback. After a disappointing end to the 2024 season, where they were manhandled by the Baltimore Ravens in the Wild Card round, Coach Mike Tomlin knew changes were needed. The Steelers’ draft strategy reflected this, with a heavy emphasis on bolstering the defensive line and finding potential answers under center. But did they succeed? And what does it all mean for the upcoming season?
The “Big Man” Focus: Rebuilding the Trenches
The Steelers’ first four picks sent a clear message: they wanted to get tougher and more physical. According to Tomlin, the need to re-establish physicality was evident even before he made it to the locker room after the playoff loss. This led to the selection of Oregon defensive tackle Derrick Harmon with the 21st overall pick. Harmon, known for his ability to occupy multiple offensive linemen and rush the passer from the interior, was a perfect fit for what the Steelers were trying to build.
“He has Steelers DNA,” said Tomlin of Harmon. “For us, it starts inside and up front. This is a guy that is capable of dominating that space versus the run and the pass.”
The emphasis on the defensive front continued with the selections of Ohio State edge rusher Jack Sawyer in the fourth round and Iowa defensive tackle Yahya Black in the fifth. These additions will complement existing stars like T.J. Watt, Cam Heyward, Patrick Queen, and Alex Highsmith, creating a formidable front seven.
Sanders Enters the Steel City: A Draft Steal?
While the Steelers focused heavily on defense early in the draft, they also made a notable addition to their backfield by selecting Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson in the third round. Johnson, an explosive and instinctive runner, was considered by some to be a potential steal at pick 83.
Offensive coordinator Arthur Smith expressed his excitement about working with Johnson, highlighting his explosiveness and instincts. “Really explosive running back that we spent some time with on a 30 visit here. One of the more instinctive backs that I’ve watched in a couple of years coming out of the draft,” Smith said. Johnson himself seems eager to contribute, stating his readiness for any workload and his excitement to work alongside Jaylen Warren.
Johnson’s addition could provide a significant boost to the Steelers’ running game, especially in Smith’s expected outside zone scheme. Some analysts have even drawn comparisons between Johnson’s play style and that of former NFL star DeMarco Murray.
The Quarterback Conundrum: Competition Heats Up
The biggest question mark for the Steelers remains at quarterback. After failing to re-sign Justin Fields and Russell Wilson, the team entered the draft with a need to find potential answers at the position. While they passed on quarterbacks early, they eventually selected Ohio State’s Will Howard in the sixth round.
Howard, a national champion with a strong arm and experience in big games, is an intriguing prospect. Offensive coordinator Arthur Smith expressed his excitement about adding Howard to the quarterback room, praising his impressive resume and the person he is.
However, Howard will face stiff competition for the starting job. Mason Rudolph, who re-signed with the Steelers in free agency, is currently the most experienced quarterback on the roster. There’s also the lingering possibility of the Steelers signing veteran free agent Aaron Rodgers, who has been linked to the team for months.
The Steelers’ quarterback situation is far from settled, and a training camp battle is all but guaranteed. While Rudolph may have the early edge, Howard will have every opportunity to prove himself and potentially emerge as the team’s future under center.
Draft Grades and Overall Strategy
While opinions on the Steelers’ draft vary, most analysts agree that they addressed their biggest needs and added quality players to their roster. Some have praised the selections of Harmon and Johnson as potential steals, while others have questioned the value of their later-round picks.
One analysis using “pick value” (comparing a player’s projected draft position to where they were actually selected) ranked the Steelers’ draft 19th in the league. While their early picks were considered strong values, their later-round selections were seen as reaches, bringing down their overall score.
Despite the mixed reviews, the Steelers’ draft strategy was clear: rebuild the trenches, add a dynamic running back, and find potential answers at quarterback. Whether or not they succeeded remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the Steelers will be a tougher, more physical team in 2025.
Looking Ahead: Sanders’ Impact and the QB Battle
The success of the Steelers’ draft will ultimately depend on the performance of their rookies and the resolution of their quarterback situation. Kaleb Johnson has the potential to make an immediate impact in the running game, providing a much-needed spark to the offense. Derrick Harmon and the other defensive additions should bolster the front seven and make the Steelers a more formidable opponent.
The quarterback competition will be the biggest storyline to watch in training camp. Will Howard can shock the world, or will Mason Rudolph solidify his place as the starter? And what role, if any, will Aaron Rodgers play in the Steelers’ future? Only time will tell.