How ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. Graded Steelers’ 2025 NFL Draft Class

ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. wasn’t exactly enthused by what the Pittsburgh Steelers did in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Kiper handed out report cards to every NFL team Sunday with the annual marquee offseason event over and the Steelers received a “B-” grade from the draft guru.

That’s not a bad grade for the Steelers. But not a great one, either.

Kiper’s biggest problem with the Steelers’ draft was them passing on a quarterback with the No. 21 overall pick. Quarterback is the biggest need for Pittsburgh as it waits on a decision from Aaron Rodgers. The Steelers did draft Ohio State signal-caller Will Howard in the sixth round, but Kiper felt the franchise should have made a more impactful selection at the all-important position.

“The Steelers must feel really good about their chances of signing Aaron Rodgers. That’s the only explanation for their approach to the 2025 draft,” Kiper wrote. “And if they don’t land Rodgers (or pull some other magic at QB), coach Mike Tomlin’s 18-year streak of going at least .500 could end. Mason Rudolph is the current starter. Yet, Pittsburgh added only Will Howard at the position — in Round 6. He’s a backup in the NFL. Instead of getting a quarterback they can win games with right now in Round 1, the Steelers went defensive tackle.”

Kiper did call Derrick Harmon, the Oregon defensive tackle Pittsburgh took in the first round, “perfect” for the Steelers defense. Kiper also was a fan of Pittsburgh’s selection of Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson in the third round. The draft analyst believes Johnson will “pair nicely” with Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell.

The Steelers also got “good value” on edge rusher Jack Sawyer and defensive tackle Yahya Black in the fourth and fifth rounds, respectively, according to Kiper.

But for Kiper, Pittsburgh’s draft class will come down to only one thing.

“Again, these are good picks that hit major needs,” Kiper wrote. “But this draft class grade will likely come down to Rodgers’ decision.”