Draft Class Garnering A-Grade Amidst Cautious Projections
The Pittsburgh Steelers' 2025 draft class has been met with an "A" grade by Sharp Football Analysis, with an emphasis on specific player-team fits. However, immediate, substantial on-field impact from the entirety of the rookie contingent appears to be a tempered expectation across various analyses. Key draft selections include Derrick Harmon (DL), Kaleb Johnson (RB), Jack Sawyer (EDGE), Yahya Black (DL), Will Howard (QB), Carson Bruener (LB), and Donte Kent (CB). While some individuals are highlighted for their potential to fill specific team needs, the consensus leans towards developmental roles, particularly on special teams, for many late-round picks.
Defensive Line and Running Back: Promising, Yet Unproven
Derrick Harmon, a defensive lineman from Oregon, is identified as a potentially perfect fit for the Steelers' system. Despite looking the part, there's a stark "boom-or-bust" prediction, with his worst-case scenario being an outright cut after training camp. However, his presence is seen as a significant opportunity for the team's defensive front.
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RB Kaleb Johnson, from Iowa, is expected to transform the team's run scheme, allowing for the implementation of an outside-zone approach. Yet, projections suggest he won't be the primary featured back for much of his rookie season. His best-case scenario hinges on him invigorating the offense, while his worst case involves him failing to secure a roster spot. Success for Johnson could also be defined as landing on the practice squad.
Linebacker and Cornerback: Special Teams Focus
Linebacker Carson Bruener (LB, Washington) and cornerback Donte Kent (CB, Central Michigan) are consistently pegged for significant special teams contributions. Bruener is described as feeling "like a Steeler," with his draft purpose explicitly tied to special teams production. For both Bruener and Kent, making the final 53-man roster is seen as an achievement, with development into a rotational defensive player a secondary, longer-term goal. Kent's best-case scenario, as outlined by one report, is landing on the practice squad and developing into a potential special teams asset.
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Other Notable Prospects: Developmental Paths
Jack Sawyer (EDGE, Ohio State) is described as raw but possessing standout speed and competitiveness, with expectations of him developing behind established players and seeing limited defensive reps initially, primarily on special teams. He is framed as a "future star" but not necessarily an immediate impact player.
Offensive lineman Max Iheanachor, selected with the 21st overall pick, is noted for his pass-blocking capabilities and improving run-blocking tenacity. While he may not be NFL-ready defensively from the outset, he is considered a potential early contributor on special teams. His ability to potentially start as a rookie is not entirely ruled out.
QB Will Howard (Ohio State) and DL Yahya Black (Iowa) are also part of the draft class, though specific rookie season projections for them are less detailed in the provided material. Howard's selection implies a potential developmental quarterback role, while Black is expected to bolster the defensive line.
Read More: 2026 NFL Draft: Puzzling Picks and Who They Affect
Background
The Steelers' approach to the 2025 draft appears to balance an acknowledgement of raw talent with a pragmatic view of immediate NFL readiness. The team received a favorable overall grade for the draft class, suggesting a strategic selection of players intended to fill immediate needs and offer future potential. The analyses, published between May and August 2025, reflect a process of initial reaction and subsequent projection as training camp and preseason approached. The most recent insights, from April 25, 2026, offer a retrospective lens on the draft class's projected early impact.
