Author: Christina Tina Rivers

Steelers: UDFA updates; Woods replacing Wilson?

The hours and days following the NFL Draft are filled with a flurry of activity for teams, and the Pittsburgh Steelers have been busy. With their 2025 draft class finalized, the Steelers have added several undrafted free agents and are reportedly bringing in at least one player from another team. We look at the latest reports.

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The Woods report

On Tuesday, Ian Rapoport reported on X (formerly Twitter) that the Steelers were signing veteran receiver Robert Woods – last with the Houston Texans – to a one-year, $2 million deal. The report has yet to be confirmed, officially, by the Steelers organization – and this is still a period where rumors abound.

If confirmed, Woods would join a wide receivers group that includes the following players: Calvin Austin, Brandon Johnson, Lance McCutcheon, D.K. Metcalf, Scotty Miller, George Pickens, Ben Skowronek, Roc Taylor, Ke’Shawn Williams, and Roman Wilson.

With Taylor and Williams agreeing to terms with Pittsburgh just two days prior as undrafted rookie free agents, it begs the question if Woods is signing because the Steelers are about to release oft-injured receiver Roman Wilson.

Wilson has seen little time on the field and plenty of time in the training room and sidelined since being drafted in 2024.

Woods enters his 13th season in the league in 2025. During the last two seasons with the Texans, Woods played in 29 games and had 60 receptions for 629 yards (10.5 yards per reception) for just a single touchdown.

The takeaway is that Woods could be an upgrade if Wilson is indeed on his way out, albeit a limited veteran one. Woods could also be a depth addition as the team prepares the training camp roster. Until the Steelers make it official, the status of any receiver currently on the roster remains unclear – even if the move would make sense.

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The UDFA’s who’ve agreed to terms

As officially reported by the Steelers, they have agreed to terms with the following UDFAs:

  • WR Roc Taylor (Memphis)
  • OG Aiden Williams (Minnesota-Duluth)
  • FB D.J. Thomas-Jones (South Alabama)
  • WR Ke’Shawn Williams (Indiana)
  • S Sebastian Castro (Iowa)
  • K Ben Sauls (Pittsburgh)
  • TE J.J. Galbreath (South Dakota)

Castro is an intriguing addition. Projected more as a strong safety in the NFL, the former Hawkeye is physical around the line of scrimmage and helpful in run stoppage. He can also punish underneath receivers and tight ends. With DeShon Elliott, Minkah Fitzpatrick, Miles Killebrew, and Juan Thornhill as the only safeties on the roster, Castro could provide additional depth and be utilized in zone coverage and on special teams.

Minicamp invitees/ attendees

Keeping up with minicamp invitations is tricky. Again, it comes down to accurate reporting versus rumors. Some players are announced via their agents while others are done so through other agencies or their colleges. The following list – shared below – has been loosely confirmed but could change as players and teams look for the best fits.

  • JaVaughn Byrd, WR, NIU
  • Donato Crisanti, LS, Rhode Island
  • Omarion Dollison, WR, JMU
  • Eddie Faulkner IV, S, Slippery Rock
  • Fraser Masin, P, Ole Miss
  • Hollis Mathis, WR, William & Mary
  • Max Hurleman, CB, Notre Dame
  • Nate Matlack, EDGE, Pitt
  • Seth Morgan, QB, New Hampshire
  • Dom Serapiglia, OL, Central Michigan
  • Tommy Smith, WR, Rhode Island
  • Debo Williams, LB, South Carolina (via Aaron Wilson)

 

Steelers: UDFA updates; Woods replacing Wilson? appeared first on Steel City Underground.

Bruener, Black, Kent round out Steelers 2025 draft class

Continuing our 2025 NFL Draft coverage, the Pittsburgh Steelers were active in the later rounds of the draft and picked up an additional interior defensive lineman, a linebacker with Steel City ties, and a cornerback in the 5th and 7th rounds. The additional depth pieces seem more important now – after the draft – with the announcement by the team that veteran Montravius Adams was released and 2024 Draft selection Ryan Watts was leaving football due to the significance of the neck injury he suffered during his rookie year.

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Yahya Black – Round 5, Pick 164

Black, a 6’6″, 336-pound defensive tackle (Iowa Hawkeyes) was described by head coach Mike Tomlin in this way: “Like I’ve been saying throughout the draft process — (Black is) a big chassis. There’s F-150s. He’s an F-350. He’s a big man and is really stout against the run. You can always use a skill set like that, certainly.”

Black (first name is pronounced “why ā” or Y. A.) finished his Iowa career with 117 tackles (14 for a loss), 5.5 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, and 10 pass defenses. He also played on the Hawkeyes’ PAT and punt blocking unit.

NFL Combine Stats

  • 40-Yard Dash: 5.39 Seconds
  • 10-Yard Split: 1.88 Seconds
  • Vertical Jump: 25.5’’
  • Broad Jump: 8’ 5’’
  • 3-Cone Drill: 7.63 Seconds
  • 20-Yd Shuttle: 4.72 Seconds

With Adams’ release, Black – a brick wall on the defensive line that has a great motor – will join former Iowa teammate Logan Lee, Cameron Heyward, Keeanu Benton, Isaiahh Loudermilk, Dean Lowry, Daniel Ekuale, and Esezi Otomewo in what the Steelers hope will be a rotational group that can be more stout against the run, defend the ends of the line as well as be more disruptive in the trenches.

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Carson Bruener – Round 7, Pick 226

If the last name sounds familiar, you may just be a Steelers fan who’s been around long enough to remember tight end and scout Mark Bruener. Carson is his son, so he has ties to the Steelers. Unlike his father, the former Washington Husky plays on the other side of the ball as a linebacker.

At 6’1″, 227 pounds, Bruener posted 306 tackles (10.5 for a loss), 1.5 sacks, 4 forced fumbles, 5 interceptions, and 14 pass defenses during his collegiate career.

NFL Combine Stats

  • 40-Yard Dash:4.58 Seconds
  • 10-Yard Split: 1.57 Seconds
  • Vertical Jump: 33.5’’
  • Broad Jump: 9’ 11’

The Steelers add Bruener to an inside linebackers group comprised of Patrick Queen, Payton Wilson, Cole Holcomb, Malik Harrison, and Mark Robinson. While Bruener ranked 11th among interior linebackers in athleticism at the Combine, his ability to make plays on the ball in pass defense and special teams contributions give the Steelers an additional weapon on defense.

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Donte Kent – Round 7, Pick 229

Kent, the Harrisburg (Penn.) native played cornerback at Central Michigan. At 5’10, 189 pounds, Kent is suited to play the slot corner position. A four-year starter for the Chippewas, and team captain, Kent has good speed and burst. Better in man coverage than zone, Kent can play outside if needed and is capable in run defense. He also has special teams value as a returner or gunner.

Central Michigan’s Pro Day Stats

  • 40-yard Dash: 4.38 Seconds
  • Vertical Jump: 38.50″
  • Broad Jump: 12′ 3″
  • Bench Press: 14 Reps
  • Shuttle: 4.38 Seconds
  • 3-Cone Drill: 7.15 Seconds

With Watts’ release (Ryan), Kent becomes the next guy who could be utilized at the nickel position in place of Beanie Bishop or Brandin Echols who is better as an outside corner. The Steelers could rotate Kent with safety Juan Thornhill in the slot, as well, but he will likely get snaps with special teams regardless. Danny Smith loves versatile players, and Kent could be his next special teams star.

 

Bruener, Black, Kent round out Steelers 2025 draft class appeared first on Steel City Underground.

Steelers select National Champions in Sawyer, Howard

As we continue to cover the 2025 NFL Draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers – who showed they believe in the Big 10 – selected two recent National Champions in rounds four and six on day three. Both picks were a bit of a surprise, but Omar Khan and Mike Tomlin hinted ahead of the draft that they had been using sone gamesmanship when it came to how they approached their pre-draft visits.

On Saturday, the Steelers selected Jack Sawyer, and outside linebacker/EDGE from Ohio State, adding depth to a defense they’ve been building into a formidable force for 2025. Just two picks layer, they called quarterback Will Howard’s name.


“Captain Jack”

The addition of another OLB/EDGE to the Steelers team might have seemed out of place for some Pittsburgh fans. With T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith seemingly entrenched as the “starters,” the team will have Nick Herbig again in 2025. The Steelers didn’t get the production from DeMarvin Leal that they may have desired on the edge, and Jeremiah Moon and Julius Welschof only got limited snaps in relief last season, which makes Sawyer’s selection less mysterious.

Depth is never a bad thing; talented depth is a luxury the Steelers can’t overlook.

At 6’4″, 260 pounds, Sawyer is an established edge rusher who recorded 23 sacks in four seasons with the Buckeyes. In 2024, he recorded nine. The 22 year old added 59 tackles (9 for a loss), 7 pass defenses, three forced fumbles, and an interception.

Pittsburgh made a clear statement with this draft that they want explosive playmakers, and Sawyer fits that bill.

“I try to play the game as physical and as tough as I possibly can. Setting an edge and playing the run is all about manhood on manhood… And I can’t wait to bring a part of that with me.” – Jack Sawyer

“One-legged Willy”

Howard earned his nickname during a Cotton Bowl win over Texas by offensive coordinator Chip Kelly for a trip the mobile quarterback made on a keeper play. It stuck, with help from teammate Sawyer, despite Howard leading the Buckeyes to the FBS National Championship in 2024.

The 6’4″, 236 pound quarterback began his collegiate career at Kansas State (Big12) before becoming the starter for Ohio State. In 2024, Howard was named Third-team All-Big Ten and ranked second in the FBS with a 73.0 completion percentage, fourth in passing touchdowns (35), sixth in passing yards (4,010), and was the Cotton Bowl Offensive MVP. In the National Championship win over Notre Dame, Howard was named National Championship Offensive MVP after passing for 231 yards for two touchdowns.

Howard, from Westchester (Penn), said in his post-selection interview, “I had to trust in God and believe he had a plan for me and the right team was going to pick me. And I think 100 percent the right team picked me. I am a Pennsylvania kid.”

“Coming into this process I was hoping the Steelers would take me because I thought it was a great organization. I am so blessed.”

Howard will join Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson in the quarterback room, but it’s unlikely that the Steelers won’t add at least one other QB before training camp – as hinted at by Art Rooney, head coach Mike Tomlin, and general manager Omar Khan.

 

Sawyer and Howard are close, and get an opportunity to build on their friendship and experience in Pittsburgh.

 

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Steelers go for “explosive” with Kaleb Johnson in Round 3

The Pittsburgh Steelers didn’t go off-script by trading any players or future capital to get into the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft on Friday night. That pick was one they’d sent to the Seattle Seahawks in exchange for D.K. Metcalf. Instead, the Steelers held pat and selected a running back in Kaleb Johnson that Arthur Smith called a “great culture fit” with pick 83 overall in the third round.

Johnson, a Hamilton (Ohio) native that played collegiately for the Iowa Hawkeyes, was also described by Smith in his post-selection press conference as a “really explosive running back.” At 6’1″, 224 pounds, Johnson was named Big Ten Running Back of the Year, All-Big Ten, Second-team Associated Press All-American, and a finalist for the Doak Walker Award (given to the nation’s top running back annually) in 2024.

Johnson set a Hawkeyes record with 23 total touchdowns (career); he ranked sixth in the FBS with 138 points scored. The running back also tied for 6th in Iowa history with 21 rushing touchdowns, 7th in school history with 1,537 rushing yards (240 carries with a 6.4 yards per carry average), and 8th with 1,725 all-purpose yards.

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When talking about Johnson, Smith emphasized that the Steelers, overall, want to field “an explosive offense” but balanced, as well. He spoke to how Johnson ran in a heavy zone at Iowa but, Johnson can do that and run gaps as well. Johnson’s ability to transition quickly, with good instincts and awareness, can boost the team regardless of scheme. The team will work with him on building blocking skills and more involvement in the passing game, something he didn’t do as much of with the Hawkeyes.

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NFL Pro Scouting Combine results

  • 40-Yard Dash: 4.57 seconds
  • 10-Yard Split: 1.62 seconds

Although his times at the Combine weren’t nearly as impressive as other running backs, Johnson has more finesse to his run style and his tempo is what allows him to get to the second level. He can wear down opposing defenses and do damage in space, making himself hard to bring down to the turf: an arm tackle isn’t going to do. His extra yardage at the end of the play is a positive.

As Teresa Varley shared on X, after he was selected Johnson said, “My heart dropped. I had been waiting all day. It was a dream for me and my family. It’s an unreal feeling. I can’t explain it. I am more than excited now. I am blessed. I am a Steeler now. I am ready to work.”

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Johnson now fills a void created by Najee Harris departing during free agency. He impressed the Steelers during his pre-draft visit and that made enough of an impression, mixed with his tape, to earn him a spot in their 2025 draft class. Whether the team utilizes him in tandem with Jaylen Warren is something Smith would not commit to during his presser.

Steelers go for “explosive” with Kaleb Johnson in Round 3 appeared first on Steel City Underground.

2025 NFL Draft: Steelers select Derrick Harmon in first round

On Thursday night, Pittsburgh Steelers fans waited in anticipation as the 2025 NFL Draft got underway. Would the myriad of mock drafts be anywhere near what they wanted to see the team do on day one? Would the Steelers address quarterback or go a different direction? When pick number 21 overall was announced, the Steelers remained true to what general manager Omar Khan and head coach Mike Tomlin stated in their pre-draft press conference by not trading away from a player they desired by selecting defensive tackle Derrick Harmon.

In the post-selection press conference, Khan and Tomlin both spoke to why they chose Harmon, emphasizing that getting stronger in the trenches is important for the team on both sides of the ball and that the pick addressed that. They also mentioned that the 6’5″, 310-pound defender received praise from Oregon and Michigan State for the type of leadership he showed in those programs and how Harmon has an “awesome sense of self” and “desire to be great.”

As a versatile, athletic defensive lineman, Harmon is one of the top defensive line prospects in this year’s NFL draft class for not only being able to diagnose and stuff the run but also get into opposing offensive backfields and disrupt. He gave Big 10 opponents nightmares trying to shift blocking schemes in order to keep him from shutting down their offensive capabilities.

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While there will be fans unhappy with the pick due to desiring a quarterback, warming up to Harmon should be an easy transition soon. While the defensive line has been a concern over the past two NFL seasons, especially vulnerable against teams that fielded big rushers and quarterbacks willing to use their feet, Harmon is at a level to compete right away. Training camp will show his true motor and will to play football.

“He has Steelers DNA.” – Omar Khan

Welcome to Pittsburgh, Derrick Harmon!

Watch: Derrick Harmon Pro Football Scouting Combine Workout Video

 

2025 NFL Draft: Steelers select Derrick Harmon in first round appeared first on Steel City Underground.

NFL Draft Prediction: Steelers take defensive tackle in first round

Mock drafting the National Football League can be as complex as getting a perfect March Madness bracket and no matter how many predictive models get mixed with facts – like team visits, pro days, meetings – it can be hit and miss. With the Pittsburgh Steelers preparing for this week’s 2025 NFL Draft, it’s impossible to know with 100 percent certainty what the team will do once they’re on the clock. We can as fans, however, make educated predictions.

Looking over all the visits the Steelers have and have not made this spring, my magic 8 ball for the first round of this year’s draft keeps coming up with one position when I flip it: defensive tackle.

The Steelers had four defensive tackles in for official ’30’ visits and another four defensive linemen. It’s not a secret that the team needs to find talent on their defensive front with Larry Ogunjobi’s departure and Cameron Heyward entering the latter years of his career.

Pittsburgh covets strength in the trenches, and they’re in need of better pressure and run stopping prowess along the defensive line.

Several of the players they visited with that play those positions did not align with a first-round talent score. Not that pre-draft scores have ever been incorrect – they have. One player the Steelers have shown interest in that does score high happens to play defensive tackle and is predicted to be available without needing to move up to select him: Derrick Harmon.

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Why Harmon?

After spending three seasons developing from a 3-star recruit to a solid defensive piece at Michigan State, Harmon rolled the dice that his transfer to Oregon would be transformational. That roll paid off.

The 6’5″, 310-pound interior defender went from being a rotational player to a cornerstone of the Ducks’ dominant defensive front. Part of the historic 13-0 run that led to the Big 10 championship title, Harmon was the anchor.

An area that Harmon excels in is quarterback hurries (39 in 2023) and his quick first step found him in many opponents’ offensive backfields wreaking havoc. Harmon has raw power off of the snap that forced opponents to adjust their protection schemes to keep their quarterbacks in play. He’d get double-teamed and chipped yet still find ways to dominate, especially against the run.

That isn’t to say Harmon can’t act as a pass rusher, though. He found ways to penetrate gaps and be disruptive while showing he is scheme-versatile.

That type of versatility is the type of skill the Steelers love to build on and develop.

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What scouts have pointed out

Harmon impressed pro scouts with the elite upper body strength and core strength he exhibits while utilizing big hands to win leverage battles. Possessing an impressive rip move, Harmon has three-down potential. His awareness and play recognition skills have shown Harmon has the ability to diagnose plays before the snap and get into position to beat blocks and stuff runs.

Harmon has big dog mentality in competition, and isn’t afraid of contact maintaining gaps or collapsing pockets. He can work down the line well laterally and is quick to adjust.

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Why DT over any other position?

The Steelers obviously have pressing issues at quarterback. After assembling a bevy of mock models, it seems clear that Pittsburgh can still get a rookie at that position in a later round and not suffer irreparable damage.

Likewise, the Steelers could use a running back to develop. The rushers they met with were not, as a group, ranked high as first-round talent. That seems to indicate that the scouting group has found at least one player they feel will be available and address depth at that position.

The defensive line, though, has been a concern over the past two NFL seasons. Just when the Steelers thought they were solid, someone – including Ogunjobi – would suffer a setback. They were especially vulnerable against teams that fielded big rushers and quarterbacks willing to use their feet.

Harmon is unlikely to make it past the opening round of the draft. The other players the Steelers visited with may still be quality options, but they’re not quite as NFL-ready as Harmon is.

Again, predictions are like a magical potion of fact, feeling, sight, gut, and gambles. Nothing in the NFL Draft is certain until the team’s pick is in and official.

But, taking everything into consideration, grabbing a Top 10 defensive lineman off the board in the first round makes the most long term sense for a Steelers team that has boosted nearly every other position on defense leading up to the draft.

NFL Draft Prediction: Steelers take defensive tackle in first round appeared first on Steel City Underground.