Steelers 2025 NFL Draft Riskiest Pick: Passing on a quarterback for a defender could come back to bite Pittsburgh
The Pittsburgh Steelers got terrific value in the fourth round when they drafted Jack Sawyer from Ohio State. But with other needs on the roster and multiple QBs on the board, it's safe to say a section of Steelers' fandom was upset with that selection. The pick was and is risky, but the Steelers deserve […]
The Pittsburgh Steelers got terrific value in the fourth round when they drafted Jack Sawyer from Ohio State.
But with other needs on the roster and multiple QBs on the board, it's safe to say a section of Steelers' fandom was upset with that selection.
The pick was and is risky, but the Steelers deserve the benefit of the doubt on this one…
Jack Sawyer Steelers' riskiest pick in 2025 NFL Draft?
Jack Sawyer certainly saved his best for last when it came to his college football career. He elevated his game to a new level in the College Football Playoff by recording three sacks, seven pass breakups, and returning a strip sack for a touchdown in four games to help the Buckeyes secure a national championship. His motor is unmatched despite being an average at best athlete. He projects as a rotational defensive lineman at the NFL level, but he is the type of guy you should never bet against. He was loved by his coaches and teammates and viewed as one of the top leaders on the team. He will be an elite addition to an NFL locker room and is determined to be great at any cost.
-Destin Adams, A to Z Sports NFL Draft
At 22 years old, and with a second-round grade from the A to Z Sports NFL Draft team, the pick of Sawyer rounds out a pass rush quartet of T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, and Nick Herbig.
He was tremendous value in the fourth round, and it has to be noted that he was the best player available on multiple boards at that point in the draft. Sitting and learning under T.J. Watt will do wonders for his NFL career.
Even still, some wanted a WR, CB and of course QB, especially with Shedeur Sanders still on the board. And if he turns out to be a franchise quarterback for the Cleveland Browns, there will be regret. I understand that. There is inherent risk when you pass on a quarterback that was pegged to be a first-round pick since January.
But if there is anything I trust about the Steelers' process, it would be their ability to draft. They tend to hit on players throughout all three days, and I expect this year to be no different.
