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2025 draft grades

FordFairLane

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RD1 Derrick Harmon DT Oregon
This was a pretty obvious pick. I literally called it with some fellow Steelers fans at the draft. Harmon is big, strong, quick and physical. Everything we need in a Steelers defensive lineman. Sounds like the Steelers were split between three defensive linemen but when Grant and Nolen went off the board there was only one left in Harmon. Harmon might end up being the best of the bunch but there’s a reason he was left on the board. The same reason Fautanu was on the board. Medical. Our medical staff aren’t the best in the biz and after last year I’m a bit more leery about injury risk. I think Harmon’s injury risk is lower than Fautanu and unlike Fautanu Harmon has the size to play his drafted position. So I’m going to give the pick an A-. The minus is because a torn labrum would cost a season to heal. So hopefully he stays healthy.
A-

RD3- Kaleb Johnson RB Iowa
This was a pretty deep RB draft but the loss of Najee had the Steelers grab one that fills his shoes. Johnson is a big power back that is a north south runner. He’s patient and follows his blocking. Lets the play develop. Not sure of the value of this pick as it would not have surprised me if he was there with our 4th but we do need to replace a thousand yards on the ground and Johnson should be a big part of that.
B+

RD4- Jack Sawyer Edge Ohio State
Might be the biggest steal in this draft. I had him rated as a first round pick. We are deep at edge but you really can’t have too many guys who can get after the QB. This should help keep everyone fresh and healthy. Quick first step, relentless motor, can seal the edge.
A+

RD5- Yahya Black DT Iowa
Black is a plug in play run stopper. Old school NT at 6-6 340. Steelers are drafting to stop Henry and Lamar. I like Black but again not sure the value was here. I’m not sure how many snaps a true NT will play in this pass happy NFL we live in.
B-

RD6- Will Howard QB Ohio State
Big, strong QB that works hard. Not the most accurate or athletic but I feel he at the very least becomes a good backup. Good value at the 6th round.
A-

RD7a- Carson Bruener LB Washington
Son of Mark and this pick feels like Rooney. I mean he’s not a bad player and probably has a shot to make the team if he shows some special teams ability. But this was definitely an UDFA.
C

RD7b- Donte Kent CB Central Michigan
Not a lot of information on him. Again was likely an UDFA. Looks like he has some return potential.
C+
 
Upgrade Kaleb, he’s got LeVeon’s vision and patience, Bettis’ feet, and FWP’s long speed. OK, I exaggerated on the long speed but wanted to keep it in the Steeler family.

He *was* clocked at 22MPH on next gen stats a couple times, so he does have much better high end speed than Najee.
 
Upgrade Kaleb, he’s got LeVeon’s vision and patience, Bettis’ feet, and FWP’s long speed. OK, I exaggerated on the long speed but wanted to keep it in the Steeler family.

He *was* clocked at 22MPH on next gen stats a couple times, so he does have much better high end speed than Najee.

Man mix Franco in there somewhere and they should just induct him into the HOF now
 
I mean, one of the criticisms of him is that he is not a “violent runner”, doesn’t seek out contact...
That is because he has solid vision and is actually trying to maximize his yardage. Love the pick and was surprised he was available in the third. A deep class probably aided in that coming about.
 
. . . And with the 441st pick in the 2042 NFL draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers select. . .

?
 
. . . And with the 441st pick in the 2042 NFL draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers select. . .

?
They are expanding the draft? Picking up roughly 28 more teams… 😉😅
 
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