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          Pittsburgh Steelers 2025 NFL draft picks: Live analysis

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          Shedeur Sanders responds to falling out of first round (0:32)

          Shedeur Sanders addresses family and friends after not being selected in the first round of the NFL draft. (0:32)

          • Brooke PryorApr 25, 2025, 01:17 AM ET
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              Brooke Pryor is a reporter for NFL Nation at ESPN who has covered the Pittsburgh Steelers since 2019. She previously covered the Kansas City Chiefs for the Kansas City Star and the University of Oklahoma for The Oklahoman.
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          PITTSBURGH -- The 2025 NFL draft began Thursday night in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Despite a lot of speculation around them perhaps drafting Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders, the Pittsburgh Steelers used their No. 21 selection of the first round to fill a defensive need on Thursday night.

          Analysis of every pick | Updated depth chart

          Pittsburgh Steelers 2025 draft picks

          Round 1, No. 21 overall: Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon

          My take: Mike Tomlin said it best -- the Steelers had an "extreme urgency" to address the defensive line, and there was no better way to do it than using a premium pick on a talented defensive tackle. In selecting Harmon -- especially over quarterbacks Shedeur Sanders and Jaxson Dart -- the Steelers stayed true to their identity as a defense-first team with a solid addition to ease the transition whenever soon-to-be 36-year-old Cameron Heyward decides to hang it up. Heyward is coming off a strong season, and in addressing the position now, the Steelers set Harmon up for success with a readymade mentor.

          Key stat: Harmon led the FBS with 34 QB pressures when lined up as a defensive tackle, and he was second with a 10.7% pressure rate. Harmon is going to be a key piece of reinforcing a Steelers run defense that wilted down the stretch of the 2024 season, but his pass rush abilities have the potential to make him a coveted three-down player.

          What we're hearing about Harmon: "He has Steeler DNA for us, man. It starts inside and upfront, and this is a guy that's capable of dominating that space versus the run and the pass. And so we're really excited about having him. We weren't interested in considering trading away from him and really excited about getting him in here and getting started." -- Mike Tomlin

          What's next: The Steelers addressed one of their most pressing needs early with the defensive line pick, but they still need to reinforce the run game by adding a running back after losing Najee Harris in free agency. And, of course, a quarterback looms large with just two under contract. Aaron Rodgers' verdict is still out, but the Steelers need two more to take to camp. They could add one with their next scheduled pick in the third round.