The Pittsburgh Steelers’ 2025 NFL Draft picks have fans buzzing with excitement and speculation. With only six selections in the draft and a clear need to bolster both sides of the ball, the team’s approach this year feels like a make-or-break moment for their long-term vision. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just keeping an eye on how the Steelers plan to rebuild, the 2025 draft is shaping up to be a pivotal point in their story.

So, what exactly are the Steelers hoping to accomplish? Well, for starters, they’re clearly looking to shore up their defensive line and find young talent that can contribute right away. That’s probably why they traded down from their original first-round spot to collect extra picks later on. It’s a smart move, especially for a team with limited draft capital but a lot of needs. But, of course, that also means every pick has to count, and the pressure is on for them to hit on the right players.

There was a lot of talk about Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders heading into the draft, but the Steelers decided to go in a different direction. Instead, they used their first-round pick on defensive tackle Derrick Harmon out of Oregon. That choice gives fans something to talk about and, more importantly, a reason to believe the front office is serious about strengthening the defense. So, if you’re curious about what the Steelers did this year and what it could mean going forward, stick around.

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Table of Contents

• Steelers 2025 Draft Overview
• What We Know About Their Draft Moves
• Player Picks and What They Mean
• What the Future Holds for Pittsburgh
• Frequently Asked Questions

Steelers 2025 Draft Overview

The Steelers entered the 2025 draft with just six total picks, which isn't a ton compared to some other teams. But it’s not like they’re starting from scratch. They had a clear plan: focus on defense and grab as much value as they can with each selection. They even made a trade early on, swapping their original No. 21 pick with the Kansas City Chiefs in exchange for picks No. 164 and No. 226. That gave them more flexibility in later rounds, which is huge when you don’t have a ton of draft capital to begin with.

So why trade down? Well, for a team that’s trying to rebuild without a ton of high-end picks, it makes sense. By moving down, they added depth to their draft board and gave themselves more options later on. It’s not always about grabbing the flashiest player in the first round—it’s about building a solid foundation. And if you’re the Steelers, that means getting younger, faster, and more athletic on the defensive side of the ball.

That said, they still made a splash early. With their new first-round pick—still at No. 21—they grabbed Derrick Harmon, a defensive tackle from Oregon. That was a bit of a surprise, but Harmon’s stats and potential made it an easy decision for Pittsburgh. He’s big, disruptive, and plays with a motor that doesn’t stop. Exactly the kind of player you want to build a defense around.

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What We Know About Their Draft Moves

So far, we know the Steelers traded down once and picked up two extra selections. That gave them a total of six picks across all seven rounds. Here’s the full breakdown of where they picked:

• Round 1, Pick 21: Derrick Harmon, Defensive Tackle, Oregon
• Round 3, Pick 83: (Details not yet released)
• Round 5, Pick 164: (Acquired from Chiefs trade)
• Round 7, Pick 226: (Acquired from Chiefs trade)

Now, that might not seem like a lot, but for a team that’s trying to rebuild without overextending, it’s actually a solid number. What’s even better is that the Steelers seem to be focusing on high-upside players with real NFL potential. Harmon is a great example of that. He’s not the flashiest name, but he plays hard and fills a clear need.

What’s interesting is that there was a lot of buzz about the Steelers possibly selecting Shedeur Sanders, the quarterback from Colorado. But instead of reaching for a flashy name, they stuck to their board and made the pick that made the most sense for the team. That kind of discipline is rare in the NFL, especially when there’s so much pressure from fans and media to go for the big-name players.

Player Picks and What They Mean

So far, the only confirmed pick is Derrick Harmon at No. 21. But that single move tells us a lot about where the Steelers are heading. Harmon is a defensive tackle who played his college ball at Oregon, and he brings a level of physicality and disruption that the Steelers have been missing on the inside of their defensive line.

He’s a big guy—6'3", 305 pounds—and he plays with a non-stop motor. He’s got the strength to push blockers back and the quickness to get into the backfield. That’s exactly what Pittsburgh needed. They’ve been trying to rebuild their defensive front for a few years now, and Harmon looks like the kind of player who could be part of that core moving forward.

As for the rest of their picks, it’s still early. But based on what we’ve seen from the Steelers in previous drafts, they tend to go for players who fit their system, play with high effort, and have a strong football IQ. That means they’ll likely look for more defensive additions in the later rounds, especially players who can contribute on special teams while they develop.

One thing’s for sure—every pick counts when you only have six. So even if some of their later selections don’t make headlines, they’ll still play a role in shaping the future of the team.

What the Future Holds for Pittsburgh

The Steelers aren’t just looking at the 2025 draft as a one-off event. They’re building for the long haul. With this draft class, they’re trying to lay the foundation for a new era of Steelers football. That means finding young players who can grow with the team and help them get back to playoff contention.

It’s also worth noting that the Steelers have picks in future drafts as well. They’re not just focused on 2025—they’re thinking about 2026 and beyond. That’s a smart approach, especially for a team that’s in transition. By building depth now, they can avoid having to make big, risky moves later on.

And if Harmon turns into a solid starter, that’ll be a huge win. But even more important is how the Steelers use their other picks. If they can find contributors in the middle and late rounds, especially on defense, they’ll be in a good spot heading into next season.

So while the 2025 draft might not be full of big names or splashy trades, it could still be the start of something really exciting for Pittsburgh. Just depends on how the young players develop and how well the coaching staff can mold them into Steelers.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many picks did the Steelers have in the 2025 NFL Draft?

The Steelers entered the 2025 draft with six total selections. They originally had the 21st pick in the first round but traded down with the Kansas City Chiefs, picking up two additional selections in the fifth and seventh rounds.

Who did the Steelers draft in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft?

The Steelers selected Derrick Harmon, a defensive tackle from Oregon, with the 21st overall pick. He’s known for his high motor, strength, and ability to disrupt plays in the backfield.

Why did the Steelers trade down in the first round?

The Steelers traded down to gain additional picks later in the draft, giving them more flexibility and depth. It was a strategic move to maximize their draft capital and build for the future rather than focusing solely on one high-profile player.

Want to know more about how the Steelers are building their team for the future? Learn more about their draft strategy on our site.

For a deeper look at how the Steelers’ 2025 picks could shape up, you can also check out their future draft picks and how they’re planning for the years ahead.