The Pittsburgh Steelers sent shockwaves through their fanbase, and plenty of NFL Draft watchers, by selecting Ohio State edge rusher Jack Sawyer with the 123rd overall pick in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
With only three picks remaining, the move left many scratching their heads, wondering why Pittsburgh passed on addressing their glaring need at quarterback.
Pittsburgh’s Surprising Pick of Jack Sawyer at No. 123 Sparks Outrage As Only 3 Draft Picks Remain
Sawyer, a Buckeye legend, finally heard his name called after waiting until Day 3. Despite the wait, Sawyer brings an impressive college resume to Pittsburgh. In Ohio State’s thrilling 2024 College Football Playoff run, Sawyer shined with 13 tackles, 4.5 sacks, and seven pass breakups over just four games.
With the 123rd pick in the 2025 #NFLDraft, we select OLB Jack Sawyer. pic.twitter.com/YDu6xrF11f
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) April 26, 2025
His unforgettable 83-yard scoop-and-score touchdown against Texas helped propel the Buckeyes to the national title. He closed his final season with career highs in tackles (59), tackles for loss (11), sacks (9), three forced fumbles, and three recoveries.
Sawyer’s impact at Ohio State won’t soon be forgotten, but that didn’t stop the frustration from boiling over when Pittsburgh made their move.
Fans and analysts alike believed that Pittsburgh was a prime candidate to grab a quarterback, especially with Shedeur Sanders still on the board late into Day 3.
“They had 4 chances to draft Shedeur,” one fan said.
The Steelers, who desperately need a long-term solution under center, had an opportunity to scoop Sanders, an accurate and polished quarterback many thought would never last this deep into the draft. Instead, they doubled down, or rather, quadrupled down, on edge rushers, despite already boasting one of the NFL’s deepest rotations at the position.
The decision to pick Sawyer ignited a firestorm online. Critics questioned the front office’s priorities, calling it another classic case of Pittsburgh mismanaging key needs. Some fans even compared the pick to the infamous moments when the Steelers left linebackers to cover slot receivers, a recurring source of frustration for the black-and-gold faithful.
“The Steelers and Browns still think defense wins championships and that they don’t need a QB, while the Lions, Ravens, and even the Bears are building offenses around their quarterbacks,” another fan said.
From a talent standpoint, Sawyer isn’t the problem. He’s explosive, disruptive, and versatile, exactly the type of defender Pittsburgh has historically valued. But adding a fourth edge rusher without solving the quarterback crisis feels like a baffling choice, especially with the season fast approaching and uncertainty looming under center.
KEEP READING: Who Are EDGE Jack Sawyer’s Parents? Discover the Family Driving the NFL Draft Prospect’s Football Dreams
It’s not that Sawyer won’t help the Steelers eventually; it’s that the timing and roster construction made this pick feel tone-deaf. When you have a major need at the most important position in football and a potential answer sitting right there, ignoring it can, and likely will, haunt you.
With only three picks left to find a solution at quarterback, Pittsburgh faces an uphill battle. The anger and confusion surrounding the pick of Sawyer may only grow louder if the Steelers’ offense sputters in the upcoming season.
For now, though, Sawyer can celebrate realizing his NFL dream, even if the path he’s walking into is paved with controversy.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
