Steelers' Day 3 Pick Poised to Grab Starting Role as Rookie

Over the last few months, the Pittsburgh Steelers They have implemented significant alterations to their team lineup, such as acquiring wide receiver DK Metcalf from the Seattle Seahawks through a trade.

In the 2025 NFL Draft, Pittsburgh selected seven prospects, with three of those picks coming within the first four rounds. Following their selections of Oregon defensive tackle Derrick Harmon and Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson in the third round, the Steelers secured Ohio State edge rusher Jack Sawyer at No. 123 overall during the fourth round.

Initially, Sawyer was expected to be primarily used in a part-time role at the beginning of his career, according to this draft assessment. NFL.com draft analyst Chad Reuter forecasted that the ex-Buckeyes defensive end/linebacker might vie for starting positions during his debut season with the Steelers.

Reuter noted that Sawyer proved to be a good pick in the fourth round, even though he wasn’t the most dynamic pass-rusher available. He might have been considered a longer-term investment, particularly since Pro Bowl player T.J. Watt was heading into his contract year. However, there’s potential for him to see increased playtime, considering T.J. Watt has dealt with some injuries and Alex Highsmith missed six games in 2024 due to an ankle sprain.

The individual, who was 22 years old, had been a highly sought-after recruit at Pickerington High School North located in Pickerington, Ohio. There, they participated in both football and basketball before deciding to commit to Ohio State University.

During four seasons, Sawyer played in 54 matches and tallied up 144 tackles (with 29 of those being for losses), accumulated 23 sacks, defended 11 passes, caused six forced fumbles, retrieved three fumbles (of which two were for touchdowns), and made one interception.

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He also earned Second-team All-Big Ten honors twice and captained the Buckeyes to a national championship this past season.

Luckily, Pittsburgh is in a position where they could rely on Watt and Highsmith on the edge, but Sawyer starting the year playing a lesser role in a rotation and stepping up as a starter when needed isn't a farfetched idea. In fact, that could start to prepare them for life after Watt, as he's entering the final year of his contract in 2025, and the Steelers could decide to move on from him as he turns 31.

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