The 2025 NFL Draft has officially wrapped up, and the Pittsburgh Steelers have completed all of their selections. Heading into the draft, there was a significant amount of speculation and debate surrounding who the Steelers would take with their first-round pick. Everyone seemed to have varying predictions, not only about which player the team would target, but also about what position they would prioritize. Ultimately, they chose to bolster their defensive front by selecting defensive tackle Derrick Harmon.
Another member of the Steelers' defense, and veteran, Cam Heyward, recently had Harmon as a guest on an episode of his podcast, Not Just Football with Cam Heyward. They discussed all things related to the Steelers and Harmon’s personal experience of being drafted. During the episode, Heyward shared that he had known that the Steelers would select Harmon in the first round, even though Harmon himself was genuinely surprised by the pick.
"Oh, I knew," Heyward revealed.
In the lead-up to the 2025 NFL Draft, the Steelers were consistently linked to a lot of different quarterback prospects. With their quarterback room being filled with uncertainty, many people strongly believed that the team would make drafting a quarterback their top priority, especially in the first round. However, Heyward revealed on his podcast that, despite all the outside noise, he knew the Steelers weren’t planning to take a quarterback with their first selection.
"I knew we weren't taking a quarterback," Heyward said.
Heyward is one of the most important players on the Steelers’ defense. He has been with the team for over a decade and is known for his leadership, toughness, and consistent play. As a defensive lineman, Heyward is great at stopping the run and putting pressure on the quarterback. He sets the tone for the defense with his hard work and experience. Younger players look up to him, and he plays a big role both on and off the field.
Heyward can be a great mentor for Harmon as he begins his NFL career with the Steelers. With over a decade of experience, Heyward understands what it takes to succeed at a high level in the league. He can help Harmon learn the playbook, improve his technique, and adjust to the NFL. More importantly, Heyward can teach Harmon about the mental side of the game, how to stay focused, prepare each week, and handle the pressure of playing at the highest level. Having a veteran like Heyward to guide him will be a huge advantage for Harmon as he works to become a key part of the Steelers’ defense.
Heyward has been a key part of the Steelers’ defense for years, but as he gets older and nears the end of his career, the team must start preparing for the future. At 35, Heyward remains a strong presence on the field and in the locker room, but the physical demands of the game make it clear that a successor will eventually be needed. That’s where Harmon comes in.
Steelers Still Did In Fact Draft A Quarterback
The Steelers managed to have the best of both worlds in this year’s draft. They successfully secured the player they most wanted early on, addressing a key need with their first-round selection. At the same time, they didn’t overlook their ongoing quarterback situation. Rather than rushing to pick a quarterback in the early rounds, the Steelers took a strategic approach and waited until the sixth round to add a promising signal-caller to their roster. They selected Will Howard, a quarterback and National Champion from Ohio State University, who brings potential and depth to the position. This move shows the Steelers’ careful planning to balance immediate needs with long-term development, keeping their options open as they prepare for the future.
As the Steelers await a decision from veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers regarding his future plans, they have at least made progress in addressing key needs during the 2025 NFL Draft. Fans are eager to see how these new rookies perform and are optimistic about what they could bring to the future of the franchise.
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