Steelers' Teryl Austin Outlines Pittsburgh's Reasoning For Drafting Aggressive OLB Jack Sawyer

The Pittsburgh Steelers drafted outside linebacker Jack Sawyer in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Sawyer will bring aggression and strength to Pittsburgh as the team looks to continue bulking up its defense. In the presser immediately following the pick, Steelers Defensive Coordinator Teryl Austin broke down the team's decision to draft Sawyer, saying the rookie would be playing OLB in Pittsburgh. The Steelers' need to bolster their defense as a whole has been one of, if not the biggest, issue the team has faced going into this year's draft. One aspect of the unit that Pittsburgh has struggled most with is run defense. 

On Saturday, Austin was asked if he saw Sawyer as a potential solution to the Steelers' struggles in stopping the run. Austin was optimistic that Sawyer would be a difference maker.

"You're talking about a 260-pound man who has his mean on half the time, probably more than half the time," said Austin. "You've got to be able to set edges, and we know that in the AFC North, if you're not good at stopping the run, it's going to be a problem. So he helps us in that area."

Austin was later asked how much the end of the previous season affected the Steelers' draft plans, specifically the team's inability to stop the run. 

"We didn't finish the way we wanted, but we're always looking to be better in the run defense," said Austin. "We know if we're not, then things aren't going to end the way we want them to. So that's how we addressed it, by getting guys we feel can help us there.

Austin also said that Sawyer would play on the special teams. Sawyer is a massive player who isn't scared of contact, which gave Austin the confidence to say that he would be a strong asset as more than just a linebacker. 

Austin also clarified that it was normal for the Steelers to move rookies around and have them play both sides of the ball. Although it isn't immediately clear where Sawyer will fall on the depth chart, Austin said that as the rookie got used to the team, the Steelers would be able to better assess what his long-term role will be.

The Steelers struggled greatly with run defense in the 2024 season, especially towards the end of the season. It's been the biggest hole in Pittsburgh's defense, and Sawyer is a promising step towards resolving the issue. Another one of Sawyer's standout qualities that Austin highlighted was the rookie's ability to make clutch plays.

"When you look at him, he's a smart guy," said Austin. "He understands the game. He gets himself on the edges when he needs the edges to rush. He knows when to bull rush. That's how guys get a knack for it, they really study it. They understand situations, and they take advantage of that."

Austin clarified that there is a difference between simply running around and playing, versus understanding everything that's going on around you and being able to analyze intelligently. Sawyer is a player who not only has size and strength, but who knows how to use both effectively. 

Steelers' Defensive Woes Were The Biggest Issue Going Into The Draft Outside Of QB

While the Steelers' lack of a starting quarterback has been the center of most of the team's media attention, the team's defensive struggles have widely been considered the team's biggest issue. Pittsburgh has made great strides towards improving its trenches, first drafting Derrick Harmon 21st overall, and now strengthening the front seven further with Sawyer. 

The Steelers are also on the hunt for a long-term replacement for Cam Heyward. No one knows exactly what Harmon and Sawyer amount too, but both are promising prospects, and Pittsburgh drafting them shows the team's commitment to ensuring their defense's strength for the foreseeable future.

Do you think Sawyer will help the Steelers improve their run defense? Do you agree with the team's decision to draft Sawyer? Let us know in the comments. 

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