When the 2025 NFL Draft began, there was an expectation that the Pittsburgh Steelers might address their quarterback situation very early in the class. Perhaps even as soon as the first-round with Shedeur Sanders or Jaxson Dart. They did neither, and they did not take a quarterback until selecting Ohio State’s Will Howard in the sixth round.
While quarterback remains a major short- and long-term concern, the Steelers had a much bigger focus going into this weekend (and the offseason as a whole).
They wanted to get tougher and more physical.
In other words, they wanted a return to what the Pittsburgh Steelers used to be when they were competing for and winning Super Bowls.
They significantly beefed up their defensive front, selecting Oregon defensive tackle Derrick Harmon in the first round, Ohio State edge-rusher Jack Sawyer in the fourth round and Iowa defensive tackle Yahya Black in the fifth round.
Following the conclusion of their picks on Saturday, head coach Mike Tomlin said retooling the team’s physicality was a major “agenda” for them this offseason. He also made sure to point out that went beyond the draft, and he also specifically mentioned the addition of wide receiver DK Metcalf as part of that initiative.
Running back Kaleb Johnson, the team’s third-round pick, also brings significant toughness to the roster.
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