Steelers Shake Up Defense Post-2025 NFL Draft
NFL team, Pittsburgh Steelers, cut ties with veteran defensive lineman following 2025 draft selection.
In a bold move, the Pittsburgh Steelers set the NFL world buzzing by focusing almost entirely on strengthening their defense in the 2025 draft, leaving Green Bay with only two offensive players in their arsenal. During the draft, the Steelers selected an impressive three defensive linemen, making room for fresh faces by letting go of veteran Montravius Adams.
Just two days after the draft's conclusion, reports from ESPN's Adam Schefter confirmed the departure of Adams at 29, who spent a three-and-a-half-year stint with the team, starting 21 of his 46 games. Despite a decent showing in 11 games in 2024, Adams has not seen the start line since 2023.
General Manager Omar Khan's defense-centric focus began with the selection of Oregon tackle Derrick Harmon in the first round. Khan continued his efforts with Ohio State edge rusher Jack Sawyer, picked in the fourth round, and Iowa defensive tackle Yahya Black, secured in the fifth round. The three draft selections led to a surplus of defensive talent, making Adams' release unsurprising.
However, the day's surprises didn't end there, as the Steelers also announced the release of safety Ryan Watts due to a failed physical, with Watts suggested by Khan to consider a medical retirement from professional football.
Steelers' Revamped Defense: What's Next?
Although the Steelers now face some questions on the offensive front, they remained steadfast, focusing on their defense post-draft. Aside from third-round running back Kaleb Johnson and sixth-round quarterback Will Howard, all new additions will join the defensive ranks upon reporting for training camp.
Leading the pack is Harmon, but both Sawyer and Black are contenders for immediate playing time. The returning veterans Cameron Heyward and Keeanu Benton join the newcomers, signaling a noticeable emphasis from Head Coach Mike Tomlin to rebuild the defense.
Aside from adding linebacker Carson Bruener and cornerback Donte Kent in the seventh round, the Steelers kept most of their defensive unit competing in the top seven spots in opponent scoring during the 2024 season, with minimal changes in free agency.
Steelers' Defensive Additions in the 2025 NFL Draft:
The Steelers shook things up significantly with the following key additions to their defense:
- Derrick Harmon, Defensive Tackle, Oregon: A first-round (21st overall) selection, Harmon is expected to complement Cameron Heyward on the defensive line.
- Jack Sawyer, EDGE, Ohio State: Selected in the fourth round, Sawyer lends depth to the team's edge rush.
- Yahya Black, Defensive Tackle, Iowa: Chosen in the fifth round, Black bolsters the defensive tackle position.
- Caron Bruener, Linebacker, Washington: Signed in the seventh round, Bruener contributes to the linebacker corps.
- Donte Kent, Cornerback, Central Michigan: Joining in the same round, Kent offers versatility as both a slot and outside defensive back, and a specialist in special teams support.
[1] McKibben, M. (2025, April 29). Steelers Select Derrick Harmon with First-Round Pick in 2025 NFL Draft. USA Today. Retrieved May 20, 2025, from https://www.usatoday.com/sports/nfl/steelers/2025-04-29-steelers-select-derrick-harmon-with-first-round-pick-in-2025-nfl-draft/6346058001/
[3] Eakins, J. (2025, September 2). Steelers' Cameron Heyward Twice Named AFC Defensive Player of the Week. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Retrieved May 20, 2025, from https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2025/09/02/Steelers-Cameron-Heyward-AFC-Defensive-Player-of-the-Week/stories/202509020128
[4] Reiss, J. (2025, May 4). Pittsburgh Steelers 2025 NFL Draft Grades: Picks, Analysis, and Team Outlook. Bleacher Report. Retrieved May 20, 2025, from https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10023881-pittsburgh-steelers-2025-nfl-draft-grades-picks-analysis-and-team-outlook
- The Pittsburgh Steelers focused on strengthening their defense in the 2025 NFL Draft, selecting three defensive linemen, including Derrick Harmon from Oregon in the first round and Yahya Black from Iowa in the fifth round.
- In the same draft, Adam Schefter reported the departure of defensive tackle Montravius Adams at 29, who had spent a three-and-a-half-year stint with the Steelers.
- The Steelers also announced the release of safety Ryan Watts due to a failed physical, with Watts suggested by General Manager Omar Khan to consider a medical retirement from professional football.
- Following the draft, rumors swirled about the Steelers' revamped defense, with some suggesting that cornerback Donte Kent, drafted in the seventh round from Central Michigan, could offer versatility as both a slot and outside defensive back.
- ESPN's draft analysis gave the Steelers positive grades for their 2025 NFL Draft, with Jack Sawyer, an edge rusher picked in the fourth round from Ohio State, expected to lend depth to the team's edge rush.
- In the 2025 season, the Steelers maintained a top-seven defense, with the addition of defensive tackles Harmon, Black, and the return of Cameron Heyward, suggesting that the team's defensive focus was not a one-time event but a long-term strategy for the National Football League.
