Steelers select National Champions in Sawyer, Howard

by Christina "Tina" Rivers (3Rivers_Writer) on April 28, 2025

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 some gamesmanship when it came to how they approached their pre-draft visits.

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

The Pittsburgh #Steelers select Ohio State LB Jack Sawyer in the #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/Zo14BrYFNL

— (@steelcityundrgr) April 26, 2025

“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, 3 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

The Pittsburgh #Steelers select Ohio State QB Will Howard in the #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/rqpmU1l95e

— (@steelcityundrgr) April 26, 2025

“One-legged Willy”

Howard earned his nickname during a Cotton Bowl win over Texas from Ohio State 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 (Big 12) 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.