Monday, May 5, 2025

Pittsburgh Steelers '25 NFL Draft Review

 


All summaries come from the NFL.com Draft Tracker


RD 1 (21) DT Derrick Harmon - Oregon     6' 4 1/2", 313


2024: 2nd AP All-American/3rd All-BIG 10, 45tckls.10.5TFLs, 5scks, 4PBUs, 2FFs

combine: 4.95s 40, 

strengths: Versatility to play up & down the line in odd or even fronts. Punch is quick, powerful & efficient to stall the block. Capable as a block collector to keep his LB clean. Uses arm-over or rip move to penetrate the gap. Creates rush momentum to roll downhill once he hits an edge. 

weaknesses:  Gets caught behind lateral blocks when he shouldn't. Inconsistent to finish his plays after gaining an advantage. Rush is linear with a lack of upper-body turn to flip edges. Footwork becomes too static, prevents secondary rush. Pad level and agility issues create missed tackles in tight quarters.

grade: 6.38 (Will eventually become a plus starter)

comp: Daquan Jones





RD 3 (83) RB Kaleb Johnson - Iowa  6'1 224


2024: 2nd AP All-American/1st All-BIG 10, 240att/1,343yds/21TDs, 21rec/258yds/3TDs

combine: 4.43s 40, 39.5"v, 10'10"broad

strengths: Handled heavier workload and produced at a high level. Operates with consistent tempo and a trust for the run track. Keeps feet active while reading block development. Brushes off 2nd-level tacklers and piles up explosive carries.

weaknesses: Lacks sudden acceleration after feet are slowed. Below-average contact aggression for his size. Not enough lateral agility for sharp back-side cuts across the grain. Unlikely to be trusted with 3rd down protection duties.

grade: 6.21 (Will eventually become an average starter)

comp: Tyler Allgeier




RD 4 (123) EDGE Jack Sawyer - Ohio St  6'4", 260


2024: 2nd All-BIG 10, Cotton Bowl Def. MVP,  59tckls, 9scks, 1INT, 6PBUs, 3FFs

strengths: Beats back-side cutoffs with quick reaction to lateral steps. Strength makes run game wins feel inevitable if a blocker doesn't finish him. Instinctive talent for finding the tackle when he's in the vicinity. Uses two-hand charge and long-arm stab to crater the pocket. Keeps feet moving, making it tougher to mirror him. 

weaknesses: Needs to get hands involved more quickly to mitigate his lack of reach. Missing functional speed to spill action wide in contain. Modest upfield burst rarely allows him to beat tackles to the junction point. Lack of bend hinders ability to get into the pocket.

grade: 6.32 (Will eventually be a plus starter)



RD 5 (164) DT Yahya Black - Iowa  6'6", 336



2024: Honorable All-BIG 10, 34tckls/7TFLs, 1sck, 2PBUs, 1FF

combine: 5.39s 40, 25.5"vert, 8'5"broad

strengths: Able to muddy up the middle when splitting the double team. Uses length to extend & work around the blocker. Plays with firm control of single blockers when his pad level is good. 

weaknesses: Below-average balance and ends up on the ground too often. Lacks a twitchy shed to get rid of blockers when it's time to tackle. Below-average snap quickness and short-area movements. Will offer little help as an NFL pass rusher. 

grade: 5.86 (Average backup/Special teams player)



RD 6 (185) QB Will Howard - Ohio St   6'4", 236



2024: 3rd All-BIG 10, 73%, 40,010yds, 35TDs/10INTs, 105att/226yds/7TDs

combine: 31.5"vert, 9'4"broad

strengths: Can work off-platform with relative ease & efficiency. Throws from a grounded base with good mechanics and repeatable delivery. Able to buy time for routes to develop when pressured. Has poise, accuracy & touch to beat a blitzing defense. Uses legs on zone-read and for short-yardage carries.

weaknesses: Can be mechanical & predictable from the pocket. Will struggle to beat NFL corners when throwing outside the numbers or into tight windows. Not enough eye manipulation to keep defenders guessing. Had some contested  throws bailed out by WR's ball skills.

grade: 5.90 (Average backup/Special Teamer)

comp: Blake Bortles






RD 7 (226) LB Carson Bruener - Washington  6'1", 227





2024: 3rd All-BIG 10, 104tckls/2.5TFLs, 3INTs, 5PBUs, 1FF

combine: 4.58s 40, 33.5"vert, 9'11"broad

strengths: Plays with eyes past blocks and into the backfield. Reads play design and leverages his pursuit angles. Powerful upper body to rip blocks away from his frame. Special Teams  ace with production in all phases. 

weaknesses: Missing NFL-caliber agility and athleticism. Lacking speed to play from sideline to sideline. Poor short-area quickness to tackle slashers. Short on range in coverage and is non-threatning as a blitzer.

grade: 5.83 (Average backup/Special teamer)




RD 7 (229) CB Donte Kent - Central Michigan  5'10", 189


2024: 53tckls/1TFL, 9PBUs, 1 Punt Return TD

strengths: Can make-up for lost ground or stay in phase with deep routes. Good burst to match route breaks in man coverage. Possesses the right amount of toughness for run support. Capable of competing for roles as a gunner & punt returner. 

weaknesses: Can be upright and lackadaisical with movements in space. Lack of instincts and eye trust hinder interception opportunities. Below-average route recognition & anticipation. Can be inefficient in coverage movements, causing routes to disconnect.

grade: 5.91 (Average backup/Special teamer)


 











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