Pittsburgh Steelers

Colorado Shedeur Sanders is far from a sure thing to the Pittsburgh Steelers with the No. 21 overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft, according to ESPN's Matt Miller.

"After talking to more than a dozen sources about this pick, I still don't feel great about it," Miller wrote as he projected the Steelers to take Sanders. "This is the most popular destination for Sanders, but there is no consensus on where the Steelers could go in this slot. One rival GM said there's a '40% to 50%' chance Sanders goes to Pittsburgh."

Echoing the general uncertainty, Peter Schrager of ESPN said in his mock that Sanders "could go anywhere from No. 3 to the Giants to the second round."

With the first round as currently constructed, Pittsburgh appears to be the firewall between Sanders and Round 2. None of the teams that comes after the Steelers has a clear need for a quarterback.

In addition, Ole Miss star Jaxson Dart might have leapfrogged Sanders in the eyes of one franchise that could trade back into the first round. The Ringer's Todd McShay reported in his newest mock draft that Sanders "is a no-go" for New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll. He also called Dart "Daboll's top choice at QB."

From the moment the 2024 college football season concluded, a lot of fans would've bet the house on Sanders being a first-rounder. Even early into the spring, he looked like a strong candidate for the Cleveland Browns at No. 2.

Now, it's anybody's guess as to where the Buffs standout goes.

As the Pittsburgh Steelers continue to wait for veteran free-agent quarterback Aaron Rodgers to decide whether or not he will sign with them, an NFL executive feels it's nearly guaranteed that they will address the position at some point during the 2025 NFL draft this weekend.

"There's no way they don't take a quarterback — or maybe even two — in the draft," the exec told Jordan Schultz of Fox Sports. "Right now it's just Mason Rudolph. You have zero clarity from Rodgers and you just spent $150 million on [DK] Metcalf. I'm sorry, but you have to address this, and you probably have to do it at 21. If [Shedeur Sanders is] there and I think he could be, he's the obvious pick."

The Steelers met with Rodgers earlier this offseason and appear to be the only viable team for him to sign with if he wants to return for a 21st season in the NFL. However, the 41-year-old recently indicated that he's in no rush to make a decision on his future.

"Listen, this entire time I haven’t felt like I owed somebody any decision at some point. … I’ve been upfront with them about that," Rodgers said during an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show last week (h/t NFL Network's Tom Pelissero). "If you need to move on, call me, by all means. … There’s been no deadline. And yeah, I’ve talked to Mike (Tomlin) many times."

There's been speculation that Sanders, the No. 2 quarterback prospect on the B/R NFL Scouting Department's draft big board, could slide in the first round and be available for the Steelers with the No. 21 pick. However, NFL draft expert Todd McShay reported on Tuesday that it's "not a lock" that Pittsburgh would select him even if he tumbles down the draft board.

Still, the Steelers own just six draft picks this year, so their best course could be to address the quarterback position early rather than waiting until the later rounds.

The Pittsburgh Steelers reportedly haven't heard from Aaron Rodgers since he said he was still considering retiring from the NFL on the Pat McAfee Show last Thursday.

Dianna Russini of The Athletic wrote Wednesday that "sources tell me Pittsburgh has not received further updates" from Rodgers following his appearance on the show.

Russini noted that Rodgers' lack of communication means "the urgency is there" for the Steelers to potentially find a quarterback in the 2025 NFL draft.

The Steelers are set to make the No. 21 pick in the upcoming draft, which kicks off Thursday at 8 p.m. ET.

Russini wrote that Rodgers' former New York Jets teammate Davante Adams indicated he "believes Rodgers still wants to play football" in a recent conversation with The Athletic's Michael Silver.

Rodgers didn't confirm that in his first public appearance since his release by the Jets, when he told McAfee that he was "open to anything and attached to nothing," and that currently his "focus has been, and will continue to be, on my personal life."

When asked if Rodgers' decision shapes the Steelers' approach to the draft, Mike Tomlin said in a Tuesday pre-draft press conference that "it does not."

When asked if the team's draft decisions could potentially impact their relationship with Rodgers, however, Tomlin answered more positively.

"I think what you do in the draft oftentimes affects maybe some talent acquisition that happens after," Tomlin said. "We'll see how the acquisition goes this weekend."

Later in the press conference, Tomlin spoke positively about former Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders.

The Athletic's Dianna Russini reported Monday that the Steelers are "still expected to take a quarterback" in the upcoming draft.

ESPN's Adam Schefter wrote Monday that "the Steelers had not been planning to draft a quarterback in Round 1, but they also were not expecting Sanders to fall out of top 10."

"Now, all options seem to be on the table, and they are preparing in case they have the option to draft Sanders," Schefter wrote.

Rodgers' continued hesitance to commit to an NFL team next season could potentially increase the odds that the Steelers use the No. 21 pick on Sanders should he slip past other candidates like the New York Giants and Las Vegas Raiders and fall deeper into the first round.

The Pittsburgh Steelers selected Iowa DL Yahya Black with the No. 164 overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft.

Yahya Black has great size and impressive strength at the point of attack to be a solid nose tackle in the NFL. He needs to play with better leverage and base, but his physical gifts should intrigue teams and might make him worth taking a flier on in the later rounds of the draft.

MEASUREMENT AND WORKOUT RESULTS

HEIGHT: 6'6"

WEIGHT: 336

HAND: 10¼”

ARM: 35”

WINGSPAN: 83⅞”

40-YARD DASH: 5.39

3-CONE: 7.63

SHUTTLE: 4.72

VERTICAL: 25.5"

BROAD: 8'5"

POSITIVES

— Great size with very long arms.

— Has the strength to win at the point of attack and stand up offensive linemen as a run defender.

— Long arms allow him to get plenty of extension and escape blocks when he picks his hands straight up from the ground

— Hard to move with one-on-one base blocks and is solid against double-teams.

NEGATIVES

— Not explosive off the ball, hurting the effectiveness of his bull rush. Rushes with bad pad level and has subpar leg drive through contact.

— Doesn't show any pass-rush moves that he can win with in the NFL.

— Takes on blocks with a narrow base, causing him to occasionally lose balance on first contact and leading to him getting collapsed inside against down blocks.

— Lacks the agility to avoid getting reached.

NOTES

— Born April 21, 2002

— 3-star recruit in the 2020 class, per 247Sports

— Injuries: 2022 (Foot, missed 5 games)

— 2023 Honorable Mention All-Big Ten

— 2024 Honorable Mention All-Big Ten

GRADE: 5.8 (Backup/Draftable — 6th-7th Round)

OVERALL RANK: 265

POSITION RANK: DL26

PRO COMPARISON: John Ridgeway

Written by B/R NFL Scout Matt Holder

The Pittsburgh Steelers are viewed as the prime landing spot for Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders if he falls in the first round of the 2025 NFL draft, but one expert revealed that it's far from a guarantee.

During an appearance on The Rich Eisen Show (1:10 mark), NFL draft expert Todd McShay revealed that the Steelers could be willing to pass up on selecting Sanders even if he falls to the No. 21 pick.

"I thought it was like, that's the floor. I think it's a softer floor than people might think in Pittsburgh," McShay said. "I've been told that it might not even be a 50 percent chance that they take him at 21."

McShay explained that the Steelers own just six draft picks this year, so they could look to trade the 21st pick and acquire more selections. However, teams could instead choose to hold onto their assets and wait to see whether Sanders or any other quarterback falls to them.

"As of right now, I can't say firmly that there's a floor," McShay added. "The closest thing we have is still Pittsburgh, but that's not a lock, according to what people are saying."

B/R's NFL Scouting Department predicted in its mock draft that the New Orleans Saints would trade up to the No. 6 pick to select Sanders, but the polarizing prospect doesn't have a clear landing spot.

If he falls and the Steelers pass up on him, teams like the Cleveland Browns and New York Giants could have a shot at choosing him in the second round.

The Pittsburgh Steelers selected Oregon DL Derrick Harmon with the No. 21 overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft.

After transferring from Michigan State, Derrick Harmon burst onto the scene this year for the top-ranked Oregon Ducks. He took advantage of the national stage by becoming one of the top defensive tackle prospects in this year's draft class.

Harmon's ability to take on double teams is a big part of what sets him apart as a run defender. He takes on blocks with good pad level and a wide and sturdy base, making him hard to move.

Also, he's good at sinking his hips to absorb contact and attacking the man he's lined up across from to help recover even if he gets kicked inside a bit. Harmon has also shown the ability to split combo blocks and make tackles despite taking on two blockers.

As a pass-rusher, the Oregon product has shown a ton of growth this season, evidenced by his increased production with five sacks heading into the College Football Playoff. He has a good rip move that he can get pressure with and has flashed a solid arm-over as a secondary move.

Additionally, Harmon can be effective as the pick player in line games with his aggression and strength to catch offensive linemen off-guard and get pressure.

However, his use of hands can use some work and he lacks some explosion off the line, hurting his bull rush. Also, he has tight hips that can impact his end and he struggles to throttle and break down in the backfield, leading to missed sacks.

Overall, Harmon projects as an impact starter who can contribute on all three downs, especially if he continues to grow as a pass-rusher. Schematically, he'd be the best fit as a 2i-technique in even fronts, but he has the versatility to line up anywhere from a 3-technique to nose tackle.

MEASUREMENT AND WORKOUT RESULTS

HEIGHT: 6'5"

WEIGHT: 313

HAND: 10⅜”

ARM: 34⅜”

WINGSPAN: 83¾”

40-YARD DASH: 4.95

POSITIVES

— Good size for an NFL defensive tackle with a thick build and long arms.

— Impressive upper body strength to gain control of the block and get extension against interior offensive linemen as a run defender.

— Takes on blocks with a wide base and good pad level to help stay in his gap against double teams and combo blocks.

— Has a nice rip move to defeat blocks or get penetration as a run defender and win with as a pass-rusher.

— Aggressive as the pick player in line games to catch offensive linemen off-guard and get penetration.

— Flashed a solid arm-over move as a pass rusher.

NEGATIVES

— Has a habit of dropping his hands as a pass rusher, he will let offensive linemen get to his chest.

— Hips are tight to clear his lower half and get clean wins when working finesse moves and trying to bend/corner from wider alignments.

— Needs to develop a counter move to turn to when his primary doesn't work.

— Gap discipline as a run defender can improve, he will occasionally shed to the wrong gap or leave his assignment early.

— Hand placement can get wide against the run.

NOTES

— 3-star recruit in the 2021 class, per 247Sports

— No major injuries

— Transferred from Michigan State ahead of 2024 season

— 2024: Third-Team All-Big 10

— 2022: Honorable Mention Freshman All-American

GRADE: 8.0 (Year 1 Start — Late 1st - Early 2nd Round)

OVERALL RANK:21

POSITION RANK: DL3

PRO COMPARISON: DaQuan Jones

Written by B/R NFL Scout Matt Holder

The Pittsburgh Steelers are still waiting for a decision from veteran free-agent quarterback Aaron Rodgers, but they won't let the delay affect their strategy in Thursday's NFL draft.

When asked if the situation with Rodgers has any impact on the team's draft plans, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin told reporters, "It does not." However, when asked if the outcome of the draft could affect the team's pursuit of Rodgers, Tomlin answered affirmatively.

Would the inverse -- draft outcome affect pursuit of Aaron Rodgers?

Tomlin says players gained in the draft can affect outside talent acquisition. https://t.co/6rCXDsC78i

— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) April 22, 2025

The Steelers added backup quarterbacks Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson this offseason, but they're still in need of a starter. Pittsburgh owns the No. 21 pick in the first round and could be eyeing a quarterback if the draft board falls its way. General manager Omar Khan said all possibilities are on the table.

"I know you’re gonna ask about the quarterback position," Khan said at the start of Tuesday's press conference, per Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk. "I'll just tell you guys the same thing we discussed in Palm Beach [at the league meetings] a couple of weeks ago. We go to camp with four quarterbacks. Right now, we have two on the roster. All options are on the table on how we acquire the last two. I assure you we’ll have four when we get to [training camp at] Latrobe."

Per Alper, Khan added that "he thinks it is unlikely that the Steelers, who have six picks, will make a move up the draft board and that he thinks it’s a good quarterback class, but stopped well short of saying that they’ll be selecting one."

In its latest mock draft, B/R's NFL Scouting Department predicted the Steelers would use the No. 21 pick to select Oregon defensive tackle Derrick Harmon.

While a decision from Rodgers would make things easier for Pittsburgh, Tomlin made it clear that the team won't be hindered from addressing other areas on the roster.

The Pittsburgh Steelers selected Ohio State EDGE Jack Sawyer with the No. 123 overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft.

Jack Sawyer's game is rooted in strength and power at the point of attack. Against the run, he's strong, physical and takes on blocks with solid leverage to create stalemates at the line of scrimmage and set the edge against offensive tackles. That can also help him get extension and escape blocks to make plays as a run defender.

As a pass-rusher, Sawyer has the strength to collapse the pocket against weaker tackles and has a decent cross-chop that he uses as a nice inside counter move. He also has a good motor to get coverage sacks and will get his hands up to bat passes at the line of scrimmage.

However, the Buckeye isn't a high-level athlete, which is going to limit how many tools he has in his pass-rush toolbox. He isn't going to win with speed around the edge, and he doesn't have much twitch and athleticism to be effective when working finesse moves. He's also often late with his hands as a rusher, allowing offensive linemen to make the first significant contact.

Overall, Sawyer can be a solid NFL starter as a hand-in-the-ground defensive end for a team that uses a lot of even fronts. His contributions as a pass-rusher will be limited—probably a four-to-six-sack guy at best—but he can be a factor against the run.

MEASUREMENT AND WORKOUT RESULTS

HEIGHT: 6'4"

WEIGHT: 260

HAND: 9¾”

ARM: 31¾”

WINGSPAN: 77⅛”

POSITIVES

— Good frame and size for NFL defensive end.

— Physical at the point of attack against the run. Takes on blocks with solid leverage and good hand placement.

— Has the strength to create stalemates and set the edge against one-on-one blocks from offensive tackles. Also is decent at shedding blocks.

— Can close the gap with tight ends or win across their face to make tackles in the adjacent gap.

— On the front side of gap runs, quick to recognize and gets under pullers at the spill player in run fits.

— Solid power as a pass-rusher to collapse the pocket with a bull rush or long-arm against weaker tackles. Also, shows a good motor to get coverage sacks.

— Also has a nice cross-chop move that he can win with when he gets the timing down.

NEGATIVES

— Subpar get-off. Often late to react to the snap and doesn't accelerate off the line of scrimmage well.

— Use of hands as a pass-rusher is inconsistent. Often late with his hands, which allows offensive linemen to make the first significant contact. Also, doesn't work the hands after contact.

— An adequate athlete at best and lacks quick twitch, limiting his pass-rush arsenal when it comes to finesse moves. Lack of change-of-direction skills and acceleration hurt his ability to turn speed to power.

— Stiff in the lower half to turn a tight corner and bend at the top of the rush. Also, hurts his ability to clear his hips to get clean wins when working finesse moves.

NOTES

— Born May 6, 2002

— 5-star recruit in 2021 class, per 247Sports

— Injuries: Torn MCL in high school, missed senior year

— 2023 Honorable mention All-Big Ten; Academic All-Big Ten

— 2022 Honorable mention All-Big Ten

GRADE: 7.3 (High-Level Backup/Potential Starter — 3rd Round)

OVERALL RANK: 84

POSITION RANK: EDGE12

PRO COMPARISON: Sam Hubbard

Written by B/R NFL Scout Matt Holder

The Pittsburgh Steelers selected Iowa RB Kaleb Johnson with the No. 83 overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft.

Kaleb Johnson's rushing success revolves around patience, vision and finishing power.

Johnson navigates the defensive front with a well-paced run style and approach. He presses the line of scrimmage and sifts through the front seven with quick and light footwork. He is an efficient runner with better fluidity and movement skills than most RBs with his frame.

Johnson is a swift and decisive runner in gap/man scheme concepts. He maneuvers well in tightly confined spaces. He combines vision, patience and nimble, active footwork to make efficient cuts to spring into the open field.

Johnson is well-built and has the height and weight to handle an NFL workload. He is a volume running back who thrives with a high number of touches.

Johnson runs behind his pads, finishing with power and a forward lean. He runs with good contact balance downhill, breaking arm tackles for yards after contact. He runs with an explosive burst and reaches top speed with urgency. He should carve out double-digit 10-plus-yard runs in the NFL.

Johnson is a functional receiving option out of the backfield. He catches the ball with soft and reliable hands. He is a shallow and flat receiver who uses screens to get the ball to him in space.

Johnson has average speed. Once he reaches top speed, it caps quickly. He won't outrun pursuit angles in the NFL. Johnson lacks the twitch and suddenness for a sharp change of direction to be a one-cut runner. In the passing game, he does not run a robust or polished route tree to get creative with his passing usage.

In conclusion, Johnson is a good to adequate starting running back in a versatile offense scheme. He is more adept and suited for gap/man scheme runs, where he can attack downhill and maneuver through congestion. His functionality in the passing game makes him a good screen option to counter heavy-pressure defenses. Johnson is a lead-caliber running back who could routinely score double-digit rushing touchdowns in the NFL.

MEASUREMENT AND WORKOUT RESULTS

HEIGHT: 6'0"

WEIGHT: 225

HAND: 9⅝"

ARM: 33"

WINGSPAN: 78½"

40-YARD DASH: 4.57

POSITIVES

— Good combination of vision, patience, and toughness as a ball-carrier.

— Well-proportioned and sturdy muscular build.

— Explosive and urgent burst through the line of scrimmage.

— Running style and build make him an ideal short-yardage/red-zone back.

NEGATIVES

— Lacks the twitch and suddenness to be a highly effective one-cut runner.

— Average top speed. Reaches it quickly but lacks a third gear.

— Does not run a polished route tree out of the backfield.

— Hand placement and punch timing in pass protection.

NOTES

— Born Aug. 14, 2003

— 3-star recruit in 2022 class, per 247Sports

— 2024 First-Team All-Big Ten; Big Ten Running Back of the Year; ranks sixth in rushing in program history

— 2022 honorable mention All-Big Ten

GRADE: 7.7 (Potential Impact Player — 2nd Round)

OVERALL RANK: 39

POSITION RANK: RB3

PRO COMPARISON: DeMarco Murray

Written by B/R NFL Scout Dame Parson

While the Pittsburgh Steelers wait for Aaron Rodgers to make a decision regarding the 2025 season, they reportedly have some interest in multiple quarterback prospects ahead of Thursday's NFL draft.

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler discussed Shedeur Sanders and Jaxson Dart on Sunday's SportsCenter and noted Pittsburgh has "some love for Sanders picking at No. 21." He also pointed out there is "some love in the Steelers' building" for Jaxson Dart.

The Sanders note was part of a larger conversation about whether the Colorado signal-caller will fall in the draft. Fowler listed the New Orleans Saints as a team that has "done a lot of work on the quarterback" and the Cleveland Browns as a possibility if they trade into the first round after selecting Travis Hunter at No. 2.

However, he also pointed out "there's just not a lot of momentum right now or buzz that has a sure-fire hit, other than most around the league do expect him to go fairly high in the first round."

As for Dart, Fowler said he talked to multiple NFL executives who don't feel he will be a top-15 pick but also "wouldn't be surprised" if he was come draft day since there's "at least some buzz that he could go pretty early."

Pittsburgh likely needs to address the quarterback position at some point this offseason with Russell Wilson and Justin Fields no longer on the roster. Its current depth chart is Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson, which would be difficult to compete in an AFC North that also features Joe Burrow and Lamar Jackson.

Rodgers has been connected to the Steelers throughout the offseason, although the future Hall of Famer didn't put any timetable on a decision during a Thursday appearance on The Pat McAfee Show.

"Listen, this entire time I haven't felt like I owed somebody any decision at some point," Rodgers said (h/t Tom Pelissero of NFL Network). "... I've been upfront with them about that. If you need to move on, call me, by all means. ... There's been no deadline. And yeah, I've talked to Mike (Tomlin) many times."

If Rodgers hasn't made a decision by Thursday's draft, the Steelers may have no choice but to use one of their picks on a quarterback in case he decides to retire or even pursue another opportunity.

Even if he did join the team, he is 41 years old and not the long-term answer.

Perhaps the front office sees Sanders or Dart as more of a play for the future and reacts accordingly at pick No. 21.