The Pittsburgh Steelers are putting together a fascinating 2025 NFL Draft, navigating a crucial offseason with a clear sense of urgency. With Team President Art Rooney II feeling pressure from the fan base to get the franchise back into true Super Bowl contention, General Manager Omar Khan has once again positioned the team well.
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Steelers' Ben Roethlisberger and Art Rooney II talk before a home game in the Steel City.
Now in his third draft at the helm, Khan continues to earn praise for balancing immediate needs with long-term value, taking advantage of how the board has unfolded. In the seventh round, holding the 226th overall pick after trading down earlier in the draft, the Steelers selected Carson Bruener a linebacker from Washington.
The move reflects Pittsburgh’s patient, methodical approach — collecting extra picks while still targeting players who fit their vision. Seventh-round selections rarely come with guarantees, but the Steelers have built a strong reputation for developing late-round talent. In the right system and environment, Bruener has a real shot to grow into yet another piece of Pittsburgh’s promising young core. It doesn't hurt that he's the son of a former Steeler as well.
Steelers Select Washington LB Carson Bruener at 226
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Son of former tight end Mark Bruener
The Steelers believe they uncovered a hidden gem in Bruener. Viewed as an under-the-radar prospect, Bruener brings toughness, instincts, and a relentless motor to Pittsburgh’s defense. With the right development, he could carve out a key role on special teams and eventually push for defensive snaps.
@Chris K. Photography
Washington LB Carson Bruener during his college days.
Steelers' 2025 NFL Draft Going Well For Pittsburgh
The Steelers wasted no time tackling their biggest weakness in the 2025 NFL Draft, using the 21st overall pick to select standout defensive tackle Derrick Harmon out of Oregon. Harmon steps into a prime opportunity to learn under veteran leader Cam Heyward, positioning himself as a major part of Pittsburgh’s future along the defensive front.
In the third round, Pittsburgh shifted focus to the offense by drafting Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson with the 83rd pick. They went back to the defensive side of the ball in the fourth round, grabbing physical Ohio State linebacker Jack Sawyer, a proven force against the run. Early in the fifth round, the Steelers moved back in a trade that netted them both the 164th and 226th picks, giving them more flexibility while still securing a player they had their eye on at 164. The Steelers snagged defensive tackle Yahya Black 164th overall.
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Steelers' Mike Tomlin looks on during a snowy game in Cleveland.
The Steelers didn't reach on a QB early. They stayed patient and landed one with some upside in the sixth round drafting Will Howard. So far, the draft has unfolded well for Khan and Head Coach Mike Tomlin, as they’ve checked off key needs without reaching. With the heat turning up on Tomlin to snap his playoff win drought, this draft class could bring in the type of young talent Pittsburgh needs to finally get over the hump.
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