Coming off another early playoff exit, the Pittsburgh Steelers entered the offseason looking to get more explosive offensively and find a quarterback.
Prior to the 2025 NFL Draft, the Steelers addressed the more explosive part by trading for D.K. Metcalf. They then shipped George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys which took away an interesting duo potential, but still an upgrade at receiver.
The team also parted ways with running back Najee Harris which opened another opportunity to get more explosive, dynamic at the running back position. With the defense being the team’s strength, the big question is the quarterback position. Can Mike Tomlin and company solve that conundrum? Did they end up solving it through the draft?
Pittsburgh Steelers address top needs:
After losing both Russell Wilson and Justin Fields to free agency, the Steelers entered the 2025 NFL Draft with a big need at quarterback even with the idea of either Aaron Rodgers or Kirk Cousins floating out there as a possibility. The Steelers passed on opportunities to select Shedeur Sanders or Jaxson Dart to address needs in other areas like the defensive line and at running back. The team did snag a QB in Will Howard late in the draft. Can he be the answer in 2025?
A bigger question is… did the Steelers find players in the 2025 NFL Draft who can make an immediate impact by filling holes in key areas of need?
Here are 3 rookies to watch for the Pittsburgh Steelers:
Round 1, Pick No. 21 – Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon: Despite a bigger need at quarterback, the Steelers addressed their defensive line urgency with the selection of Oregon product Derrick Harmon who should benefit greatly learning from and playing behind Cameron Heyward.
As a strong, versatile defender, Harmon will fit right into the mode of what the Steelers look for in a defensive lineman. He can not only defend the run, but he can bulldoze his way to the quarterback creating pressure from wherever he lines up. Playing against physical AFC North teams, Harmon will have a chance to showcase his physicality often and early for the Steelers who are looking to get more stout against the run. This rookie will help with that and establish his presence on the defense quickly.
Round 2, Pick No. 36 – Kaleb Johnson, RB, Iowa: In going from the black and gold of the Hawkeyes to the black and gold of the Steelers, third-round pick Kaleb Johnson was drafted into the perfect situation not just for the uniform colors, but what he brings to the table as a running back.
A downhill runner with the ability to catch the backfield, Johnson makes up for team’s decision to move on from Najee Harris. As the Steelers love to lean on their ground attack, the trio of Jaylen Warren, Kenneth Gainwill and Johnson gives them balance in the running game and a player in Johnson who can be a workhorse and the type of back with the ability to take it to the house whenever he touches the ball. Steeler Nation will fall in love fast with this outstanding running back out of Iowa.
Round 6, Pick No. 185 – Will Howard, QB, Ohio State: The Steelers finally drafted a quarterback in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. While the idea of Aaron Rodgers is still floating in the air, Will Howard could shake things up a bit with a strong camp. It would be ironic if the Steelers drafted their starting quarterback in 2025 and waited to the sixth round to do so.
Coming off a national championship with Ohio State, Howard does have the talent and drive to win the starting role if Rodgers does not end up walking through that door. With Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson as his competition so far, the writing is on the wall for Howard to at least have a chance to give Mike Tomlin something to think about. The prediction here is that if Howard is not the starter at the start of the season, he will start at some point and when he does, he will give the team a jolt with his arm talent and mobility inside and outside of the pocket.