Steelers Focus on Defense, Draft Bruener in 2025

The Pittsburgh Steelers prioritized defense in the 2025 NFL Draft, selecting Oregon's Derrick Harmon in the first round, followed by Iowa's Yahya Black and Ohio State's Jack Sawyer. They waited until Day 3 to select a quarterback, drafting Ohio State's Will Howard in the sixth round. In the seventh round, the Steelers chose linebacker Carson Bruener from Washington, a third-team All-Big Ten honoree and son of former Steelers first-round pick and current scout Mark Bruener. Carson shared his draft moment at the same family cabin where his father was drafted 30 years earlier. The draft class underscores the team's commitment to defensive physicality and depth, and could prompt roster changes such as the potential departure of veteran Dean Lowry to free cap space. Overall, Pittsburgh's draft reflects a strategy focused on defensive rebuilding while maintaining family connections within the organization.