As the 2025 season concluded for the Pittsburgh Steelers, the fans eagerly awaited the upcoming draft. Another 10-7 year and a first round playoff exit have become a regularity in Pittsburgh, and it is clear the fans want change. Gaps in the offense, most notably at the quarterback position, and injuries on defense made this year's draft incredibly crucial for the future of the organization. Can the front office turn the team around or could it be time for drastic changes?

The defensive side of the football has always been a strong suit in Pittsburgh and this draft class was no different. With the 21st pick overall the Steelers selected Derrick Harmon, a defensive tackle from Oregon. Harmon had a productive senior year and finished with 11 tackles for loss and 5 sacks in 2024: clearly showing him to be a versatile player on the line. The next defensive player drafted was Jack Sawyer, a defensive edge from Ohio State with the 123rd overall pick. A staggering 9 sacks in 2024 and a national championship makes Sawyer a suitable sub for T.J Watt. Next, Pick #164 was Yahya Black, a defensive tackle from Iowa, who marked 5 tackles for loss and 1 sack. Black is just a typical tackle prospect, but depth is needed on defense, so this pick is justified. The last two defensive players taken were Carson Bruener, a linebacker from Washington, and Donte Kent, a cornerback from Central Michigan, both average players at best.

While getting player depth on defense is really important, the Steelers need a strong offense if they want to contend. Even though these defensive picks show signs of being valuable, Pittsburgh passed on many offensive weapons that could have turned the organization around.

There is no doubt that the offense in Pittsburgh has been terrible for the past couple years.The draft aimed at changing that, succeeding in some positions and failing in others. Though many draft predictions had the Steelers taking University of Colorado Quarterback Shedeur Sanders, speculations painted Sanders as cocky and a headcase in the locker room, forcing Pittsburgh to pass. Since Najee Harris got traded after continuously having over 1,000 rushing yards a year, the Steelers selected Kaleb Johnson, a running back from Iowa in the third round. Johnson is a great pick having 22 touchdowns in 2024 and over 1500 rushing yards. A tough and reliable running back is exactly what the Steelers offense needs to succeed and Kaleb Johsnon is the right guy. Next, in the sixth round the Steelers finally selected a much needed quarterback. Will Howard, who was a national champion with Ohio State in 2024 and seems to be one of the more reliable and cool-headed quarterbacks of the draft. With 35 touchdowns, only ten interceptions and a 73% completion rate, Howard has high upside and could be the future franchise QB with his strong arm, game knowledge and rushing abilities. The offense still does not seem to be fixed especially after trading WR George Pickens to the Cowboys. Nevertheless, Howard and Johnson have the capabilities to change that and guide the offense in the right direction.

With the future of the Pittsburgh Steelers on the line, general manager Omar Khan made some distinct moves in this draft, passing on Shedeur Sanders and focusing primarily on defense. After trading for wide receiver DK Metcalf, but trading away our starting running back and wide receiver, it seems Khan and the Rooneys do not have a clear plan for the team’s future. Is this year a losing season? Another 10-7 first round exit? A contending year? We have yet to be answered. The 2025 draft for the Pittsburgh Steelers receives a B-letter grade: though it filled necessary defensive spots, it left out key offensive components. Regardless of what the future holds one thing is always certain: the yinzer mob will always be out on Sundays to cheer on their favorite football team.