2025 NFL Draft Results: Steelers select OLB Jack Sawyer with 4th round pick

Entering the 2025 NFL Draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers had a number of draft needs that they needed to address. The Steelers don’t possess a full allotment of draft picks after trading for DK Metcalf, and there were several positions which would be considered a glaring need on their roster.

With six total picks, the following positions could be viewed as a priority entering the selection process: quarterback, wide receiver, cornerback, and even safety. Those positions, and more, were positions of need to help the black-and-gold get to the next level in 2025. There have been numerous thoughts and debates regarding what the team will do in Round 3 of the NFL Draft.

When the dust settled, the Steelers selected  out of  with their 4th Round pick in the draft.

#Steelers take Ohio State edge Jack Sawyer at 123. No QB.

— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) April 26, 2025

For more information on Sawyer as a player, here is a draft profile on him. courtesy of NFL.com:

Overview

Dense-framed, even-front defensive end whose game is built for power but not speed. He has short arms and slow power to neutralize and overcome run blocks. However, he lacks a quick-win first step or twitchy stack-and-shed move. He locates the football and racks up tackles when runners near his gaps. He’s a force-based rusher using strong hands, a relentless motor and a pocket-caving charge to run up pressure totals, but his rush lacks quickness. He could see more interior rush opportunities for shorter trips into the pocket. Sawyer is suited for box-based football, which could cap his pro ceiling, but his demeanor, toughness and activity level provide a higher floor.

Strengths

• Posted 4.5 sacks and 6 pass breakups during Ohio State’s four-game playoff run to the title.
• Beats back-side cutoffs with quick reaction to lateral steps.
• Sets a strong edge and can release back inside to tackle B-gap.
• Strength makes run game wins feel inevitable if a blocker doesn’t finish him.
• Instinctive talent for finding the tackle when he is in the vicinity.
• Accurate hands find wrist control to deconstruct pass-pro punch.
• Uses two-hand charge and long-arm stab to crater the pocket.
• Keeps feet moving, making it tougher to mirror him.

Weaknesses

• Gaps close down on him as a mid-twitch penetrator.
• Needs to get hands involved more quickly to mitigate his lack of reach.
• Missing functional speed to spill action wide in contain.
• Modest upfield burst rarely allows him to beat tackles to the junction point.
• Wide base limits quickness and success of his inside moves.
• Lack of bend hinders ability to get into the pocket.

What are your thoughts on the selection? Let us know in the comment section below, and be sure to stay glued to SCN for the latest Steelers news and notes throughout the 2025 NFL Draft. Be sure to check out the BREAKING NEWS podcast in the player below, when it is available: