Pittsburgh, PA – Aprial 28, 2025. The 2025 NFL Draft, hosted in the historic heart of Green Bay, Wisconsin, has stirred a whirlwind of reactions, but for Pittsburgh Steelers fans, the aftermath carries a bitter sting. While draft analysts praised the Steelers’ haul, Vegas has delivered a grim verdict, pegging Pittsburgh as the NFL’s worst team for the upcoming season.
The Steelers’ draft class drew attention for its defensive and offensive balance. In the first round, they selected Oregon defensive tackle Derrick Harmon, a 6’5”, 310-pound force, bolstering a line anchored by Cam Heyward and Keeanu Benton.
The real buzz came later, with third-round running back Kaleb Johnson from Iowa and sixth-round quarterback Will Howard from Ohio State. Johnson, a bruising 1,537-yard rusher with 21 touchdowns in 2024, offers a successor to Najee Harris, who departed for the Chargers.
Howard, a dual-threat quarterback with 2,848 passing yards and 24 touchdowns last season, landed as a potential steal. His 68.9% completion rate and 433 rushing yards showcase a skill set tailored for Arthur Smith’s scheme, hinting at a future beyond Mason Rudolph’s interim tenure.
Draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. lauded Howard’s pocket presence, drawing comparisons to a young Jake Haener. The pick fuels optimism that Pittsburgh may have unearthed a long-term quarterback, a critical need after missing Shedeur Sanders and Aaron Rodgers in free agency.
Yet, the Steelers’ quarterback room remains a puzzle, with Rudolph, Skylar Thompson, and the unproven Howard facing scrutiny. The loss of Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, combined with a $2 million cap, leaves Pittsburgh juggling veterans and rookies in a high-stakes gamble.
Vegas oddsmakers, unmoved by the draft’s promise, have handed the Steelers a league-low projected win total of 4.5 games. The prediction, rooted in a 19th-ranked offense and an aging secondary reliant on 34-year-old Darius Slay, paints a bleak picture for a franchise accustomed to contention.
Fan reactions on X and Reddit reflect a mix of defiance and despair, with some clinging to the potential of Johnson and Howard, while others lament the front office’s failure to secure a proven quarterback. The specter of an eight-year playoff win drought looms large, fueling skepticism.
As the NFL braces for a season of new dynamics, Pittsburgh stands at a crossroads. Steeler Nation can only hope that Harmon’s tenacity, Johnson’s power, and Howard’s promise defy Vegas’ dire forecast, turning the Steel City into a stage for unexpected triumphs in 2025.
