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Now that the 2025 NFL Draft knee-jerk reactions are beginning to wear off, it's important to tackle one of the Steelers' more interesting draft selections — the fourth-round selection of Ohio State EDGE Jack Sawyer.
Sawyer, projected as a second-round prospect, was considered one of the most underrated edge rushers in this year's draft class — and his drop to the Steelers in the middle of the fourth round clearly proves that.
Defensive coordinator Teryl Austin claimed the move was more of a want than a need — but I'm not so sure, as it's arguable the Steelers are preparing for life after T.J. Watt.
Watt is looking for a $40 million payday to beat out Browns EDGE Myles Garrett, and it was reported that the negotiations between himself and the Steelers weren't going so well.
Enter Sawyer, who is coming off a fantastic 2024 season with Ohio State — one that ended in a CFB championship. He has always been regarded as an elite run-stopping force off the edge, but his pass-rush skills finally came together last season as well — with nine sacks, three forced fumbles, and 38 QB hurries.
If extending Watt beyond 2025 isn't in the cards, it would make perfect sense to draft the up-and-rising Sawyer to learn behind him for a year, while also allowing a focus to be made on QB in the 2026 NFL Draft.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Jack Sawyer's draft selection spells disaster for T.J. Watt extension
Continue reading...
Sawyer, projected as a second-round prospect, was considered one of the most underrated edge rushers in this year's draft class — and his drop to the Steelers in the middle of the fourth round clearly proves that.
Defensive coordinator Teryl Austin claimed the move was more of a want than a need — but I'm not so sure, as it's arguable the Steelers are preparing for life after T.J. Watt.
Watt is looking for a $40 million payday to beat out Browns EDGE Myles Garrett, and it was reported that the negotiations between himself and the Steelers weren't going so well.
Enter Sawyer, who is coming off a fantastic 2024 season with Ohio State — one that ended in a CFB championship. He has always been regarded as an elite run-stopping force off the edge, but his pass-rush skills finally came together last season as well — with nine sacks, three forced fumbles, and 38 QB hurries.
If extending Watt beyond 2025 isn't in the cards, it would make perfect sense to draft the up-and-rising Sawyer to learn behind him for a year, while also allowing a focus to be made on QB in the 2026 NFL Draft.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Jack Sawyer's draft selection spells disaster for T.J. Watt extension
Continue reading...
