NFL Draft 2025: Assessing Pittsburgh Steelers' Top and Bottom Picks
The Pittsburgh Steelers managed to clinch a playoff spot in 2024, despite less-than-stellar quarterback play. Deciding it was time for a change, the team let passers Russell Wilson and Justin Fields walk during free agency. Now, there's a strong chance they'll secure Aaron Rodgers to lead the team for at least the 2025 season.
During the 2025 NFL Draft, the Steelers didn't just focus on filling the gap at quarterback. They bolstered their roster by adding talented players at various positions.
In the first round, they grabbed defensive lineman Derrick Harmon. Harmon, alongside Cameron Heyward and Keeanu Benton, is expected to make the Steelers' defensive front a fearsome force.
Without a second-round selection due to trading it for D.K. Metcalf, the team had to wait until the third round to add solid running back Kaleb Johnson. Johnson is seen as Johnson is anticipated to step up and replace Najee Harris effectively, having been extremely productive at Iowa with 1,537 yards and 21 touchdowns in 2024.
Elsewhere, the Steelers added nose tackle Yahya Black, edge-rusher Jack Sawyer, and quarterback Will Howard, among others.
Now, we're going to take a look at the best and worst picks the team made over the weekend. The Steelers had a solid draft, making it tough to single out a clear winner.
Best: Round 3, Pick 83- Kaleb Johnson, RB, Iowa
Kaleb Johnson was widely expected to go in the second round, so the Steelers snagged good value in the third. Johnson's impressive college performance at Iowa, where he led the Big Ten in yards and touchdowns, sets him up well as a capable replacement for Najee Harris.
Worst: Round 7, Pick 10: Carson Bruener, LB, Washington
While the Steelers had a great draft, there's room for debate on the seventh-round selection of Bruener. Although he doesn't have any elite traits, he might find a role as a special-teamer in the NFL. A potential alternative could've been a wide receiver or developmental offensive tackle, such as Tez Johnson, Kaden Prather, Garrett Dellinger, or Mason Richman.
In the 2025 NFL Draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers selected Kaleb Johnson, a promising running back from Iowa, in the third round. Johnson is anticipated to step up and replace Najee Harris effectively, having been extremely productive at Iowa with 1,537 yards and 21 touchdowns in 2024. On the other hand, the seventh-round selection of Carson Bruener, a linebacker from Washington, has sparked some debate. Although Bruener might find a role as a special-teamer in the NFL, some believe a wide receiver or a developmental offensive tackle such as Tez Johnson, Kaden Prather, Garrett Dellinger, or Mason Richman could have been a better choice.
