Pittsburgh’s defense enters a window of heightened expectation. Mike Tomlin’s bold optimism underscores a unit rebuilt to stop the run and sharpen back-end communication after a troublesome finish to 2024. The influx includes Darius Slay, Jalen Ramsey, Juan Thornhill, Chuck Clark and Brandin Echols, joining a defensive core led by T.J. Watt and Cam Heyward with Patrick Queen in the mix. Ramsey’s role as a multifaceted striker at free safety has already yielded an early highlight, and Metcalf’s praise of the defense adds a level of respect from a firsthand rival. Aging stars on the Steelers, including Heyward at 36, add a caveat about longevity, even as Harmon, Black and Sawyer push to prove themselves. Tomlin’s history of dominant defenses, from his Buccaneers stint to Pittsburgh’s early-season excellence, provides a blueprint, but skepticism remains about the 30-plus group’s ability to sustain a historic run. The potential payoff is a defense that could redefine Pittsburgh’s ceiling, possibly even sparking a long-awaited playoff breakthrough if the scheme and communication click under pressure.

Pittsburgh closed Week 1 of the preseason with a win and a passing-driven vibe, but the real story is the competition brewing behind the top starters. Kaleb Johnson flashed resilience behind a leaky run block, drawing a line between the tape and the box score, as the line’s woes watered down his true impact. Max Hurleman and Roc Taylor both pressed for a late-roster berth, turning exhibitions into auditioning grounds for the last WR spots. On the O-line, Troy Fautanu stood as a reliable anchor on run plays and pass protection, a small but meaningful win for the depth. Yahya Black flashed lateral agility in limited work and earned a bigger leash, while Jack Sawyer and DeMarvin Leal faced the need to raise their confidence and reps. Juan Thornhill assumed a vocal, steadying presence at free safety, and Chuck Clark’s opportunities to prove his value persisted, even as the defense navigated evolving roles. The undercurrent is clear: this roster battle isn’t decided on Week 1, but the path to the final cut line is narrowing by the day.

Fantasy managers should monitor Hurleman and Taylor as potential sleepers who could climb the depth chart if their quarterback chemistry holds. Johnson’s productivity is tethered to the line’s improvement, but his vision and patience suggest upside if Pittsburgh can fix the front. Fautanu’s performance argues for a steadier plug-and-play option on the edge of the starting unit, while Thornhill’s leadership could stabilize a secondary retooling. Leal still needs a breakout moment to shed the tweener label, and Clark’s veteran presence could stabilize the back end as the Steelers experiment with combinations. In short, the week’s performances hint at a few overnight roster movements and several players who could pay off as potential fantasy upside if and when the depth chart locks in.

Bottom line: a strong start for the passing game, but the Steelers still need to firm up the trenches and finish drives. The week’s standouts signal which names could push for real snaps when the bullets fly, while the rest will be concentrated into the practice-field chess match that leads to September.

Jack Sawyer, the former Ohio State linebacker, reflects on the emotional toll of the 2022 loss to Michigan as he embarks on his rookie season in the NFL. This defeat remains a painful memory for Sawyer, who emphasized the significance of their rivalry and the need for redemption. He is eager to contribute to his new team and bring a championship mindset to the field.

The 2025 NFL Draft has unveiled some intriguing EDGE sleeper prospects, particularly those selected on Day 3. Among them, Jack Sawyer stands out with his potential role in the Pittsburgh Steelers' rotation. Despite facing competition from established players like T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith, Sawyer's impressive college stats with 15.5 sacks and 107 tackles showcase his capability against the run. His tenacity aligns well with Pittsburgh's defensive philosophy.

Elijah Roberts, picked by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, brings a unique blend of size and length that could enrich their 3-4 scheme. His college performance at SMU, accumulating 17.5 sacks, underlines his potential impact, though he must refine his pass-rushing techniques. Tyler Baron, selected by the New York Jets, combines size and athleticism which could make him a valuable asset in a rotational role, especially as he develops his skills.

Pittsburgh Steelers fans may be feeling apprehensive after Bleacher Report's recent evaluation of their 2025 offseason, where they received a dismal grade of D, ranking second to last in the NFL. The analysis highlights inadequacies across free agency, trades, and draft dealings, indicating a failure to significantly improve the roster. Key rookies Derrick Harmon, Kaleb Johnson, and Jack Sawyer are expected to contribute, but the impact of replacing established players with less experienced talent raises concerns about the team's depth and competitiveness.

Critics point to the controversial decision to invest heavily in 41-year-old Aaron Rodgers, suggesting that reliance on an aging quarterback might not yield the desired results. The Steelers' offseason moves have drawn scrutiny, especially the transactions involving key players like Larry Ogunjobi, Najee Harris, and George Pickens. While the draft showcased a defensive focus, the overall impression is that the Steelers might struggle to keep pace with the league's evolving dynamics in 2025.