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When it comes to the Pittsburgh Steelers' outside linebacker room, Alex Highsmith and Nick Herbig have been commanding all the headlines. And it goes without saying that T.J. Watt is a walking superstar with or without the publicity. But Jack Sawyer, a talented depth piece, is quietly being underestimated behind the three-headed edge-rushing monster that Watt, Herbig, and Highsmith form.
From now until the start of the regular season, we at Steelers Wire will be analyzing every player on the roster. Here's a look at Sawyer and what could be in store for his 2026 season.
Sawyer, selected by the Steelers with the 123rd overall pick of the 2025 NFL Draft, slid all the way down from a second-round projection, right into Pittsburgh's lap in the fourth round.
A talented edge rusher who played a huge role in leading the Ohio State Buckeyes to a national championship in his final collegiate season, Sawyer served as a rotational outside linebacker and a quality special teamer for Pittsburgh during his rookie year. But that could soon change in a brand-new defensive scheme.
New Steelers defensive coordinator Patrick Graham has made it clear that his defenders need to be comfortable lining up at different positions, which could actually open the door for more opportunities for Sawyer. Watt isn't getting any younger and could see a slightly reduced snap count to keep him healthy toward the latter half of the season. And let's not forget that Highsmith has been connected to more trade rumors than we can keep up with. It feels as though Sawyer could be destined for a bigger Year 2 than some have realized heading into 2026.
For up-to-date Steelers coverage, including any offseason moves, follow us on X @TheSteelersWire and give our Facebook page a like.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Steelers roster spotlight: Is the NFL sleeping on Jack Sawyer?
Continue reading...
From now until the start of the regular season, we at Steelers Wire will be analyzing every player on the roster. Here's a look at Sawyer and what could be in store for his 2026 season.
At a glance
- Height: 6-foot-4
- Weight: 260 pounds
- Age: 24 years old
- NFL experience: 2
Career with the Steelers
Sawyer, selected by the Steelers with the 123rd overall pick of the 2025 NFL Draft, slid all the way down from a second-round projection, right into Pittsburgh's lap in the fourth round.
A talented edge rusher who played a huge role in leading the Ohio State Buckeyes to a national championship in his final collegiate season, Sawyer served as a rotational outside linebacker and a quality special teamer for Pittsburgh during his rookie year. But that could soon change in a brand-new defensive scheme.
What's next in 2026?
New Steelers defensive coordinator Patrick Graham has made it clear that his defenders need to be comfortable lining up at different positions, which could actually open the door for more opportunities for Sawyer. Watt isn't getting any younger and could see a slightly reduced snap count to keep him healthy toward the latter half of the season. And let's not forget that Highsmith has been connected to more trade rumors than we can keep up with. It feels as though Sawyer could be destined for a bigger Year 2 than some have realized heading into 2026.
For up-to-date Steelers coverage, including any offseason moves, follow us on X @TheSteelersWire and give our Facebook page a like.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Steelers roster spotlight: Is the NFL sleeping on Jack Sawyer?
Continue reading...
