Steelers Release Ryan Watts; DB’s Career Likely Over
Ryan Watts joined the Steelers as a sixth-round pick in last year’s draft. The defensive back’s time in the organization has come to an end, however, and his playing days appear to be over as well.
“Unfortunately, today we are releasing Ryan Watts from our roster,” a statement from general manager Omar Khan reads. “After consulting with our medical team, medical experts, and Ryan’s representatives, we all agree that it is in Ryan’s best interest to discontinue playing football at this time. We will continue to assist and support Ryan as he transitions to the next phase of his life.”
Watts suffered a neck injury during Pittsburgh’s preseason finale last summer. As a result, he was placed on injured reserve and was ineligible to play during the regular season. Given today’s update, the 23-year-old’s prognosis is obviously not conducive to continuing his football career.
After a pair of seasons at Ohio State, Watts transferred to Texas. He played a pair of seasons with the Longhorns, totaling 89 tackles and six pass breakups during that span. His size (6-3, 212 pounds) offered plenty of potential at the NFL level. As things stand now, though, a major turnaround with respect to his health will be required for a pro career to be possible.
The Steelers’ safety depth chart consists of Minkah Fitzpatrick, Juan Thornhill, DeShon Elliott and Miles Killebrew. At corner, Pittsburgh has the likes of Joey Porter Jr., Darius Slay, Brandin Echols and Beanie Bishop in the fold. Due to unfortunate health circumstances, though, Watts will not be a member of the team’s secondary moving forward.
Steelers To Release DT Montravius Adams
After making an addition along the defensive interior during the opening round of the draft, the Steelers are parting ways with a veteran at that spot. Defensive tackle Montravius Adams is being released, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports. 
A rotational player throughout his eight years (and seven seasons) in the NFL, Adams had been in Pittsburgh since the midway point of the 2021 campaign. He made a total of 46 appearances and 21 starts during his tenure with the Steelers, with his heaviest workload coming in 2023. Last year, the 29-year-old saw his snap share fall to 27% while playing 11 games.
During this weekend’s draft, the Steelers – which still have the likes of Cameron Heyward, Keeanu Benton and Logan Lee in the fold – made a pair of moves along the D-line. That included the selection of Oregon’s Derrick Harmon on Day 1 along with Iowa product Yahya Black during the fifth round. With those two now in the mix, the decision to move on from Adams comes as little surprise.
One season remained on the former third-rounder’s contract, but none of his scheduled base salary was guaranteed. As a result, Pittsburgh will yield $2.25MM in cap savings with this release while generating a dead money charge of only $875K. The team entered Monday with over $31MM in cap space, but this cut will add even further to that figure.
Adams has reached or surpassed 20 tackles on three occasions during his career, but he has eclipsed five QB pressures or one sack only once in a single season. Known to be a non-factor against the pass, he will now look to find a new opportunity with a team eyeing help against the run.
Steelers Announce 7 UDFA Signings
After drafting seven rookies this weekend, the Steelers double their rookie class with their undrafted free agent signings. Here are the seven additions to the team’s rookie class:
- Sebastian Castro, S (Iowa)
- J.J. Galbreath, TE (South Dakota)
- Ben Sauls, K (Pittsburgh)
- Roc Taylor, WR (Memphis)
- DJ Thomas-Jones, FB (South Alabama)
- Aiden Williams, G (Minnesota-Duluth)
- Ke’Shawn Williams, WR (Indiana)
A two-year starter for the Tigers, Taylor had a productive last two seasons, catching 135 balls for 2,053 yards and six touchdowns, but he had a bit of an issue with nine drops over that period.
Williams spent six seasons in Duluth, not making an appearance until his third year after redshirting and sitting out the COVID-19 2020 season. In 2022, he took over the starting left tackle position for the Bulldogs, starting 32 games over the next three seasons and earning second-team All-NSIC honors in 2022 and 2023 and first-team honors in 2024.
Castro had some Day 3 buzz, likely due to a stellar 2023 campaign in which he had 11 passes defensed, three interceptions, and eight tackles for loss. His 2024 season was pretty disappointing, though, as his passes defensed dropped to two and his interceptions dropped to one while he allowed five touchdowns in coverage.
Lastly, Sauls gets to stay in his home stadium, after going 52-64 on field goal attempts in the last three years with the Panthers. The left-footed kicker had a long this season of 58 yards. With Chris Boswell under contract for another two years, though, and having just led the NFL with 41 converted field goals (only missing three attempts — as many as he had in 2023, as well), Sauls will likely spend the preseason auditioning for other teams who may need a kicker in 2024.
2025 NFL Draft Results By Round
From the No. 1 overall pick to Mr. Irrelevant (No. 257), here are the results from the 2025 NFL Draft:
Round 1
1) Tennessee Titans: Cam Ward (QB, Miami)
2) Jacksonville Jaguars (from Browns): Travis Hunter (WR/CB, Colorado)
3) New York Giants: Abdul Carter (OLB, Penn State)
4) New England Patriots: Will Campbell (T, LSU)
5) Cleveland Browns (from Jaguars): Mason Graham (DT, Michigan)
6) Las Vegas Raiders: Ashton Jeanty (RB, Boise State)
7) New York Jets: Armand Membou (T, Missouri)
8) Carolina Panthers: Tetairoa McMillan (WR, Arizona)
9) New Orleans Saints: Kelvin Banks Jr. (T, Texas)
10) Chicago Bears: Colston Loveland (TE, Michigan)
11) San Francisco 49ers: Mykel Williams (DE, Georgia)
12) Dallas Cowboys: Tyler Booker (G, Alabama)
13) Miami Dolphins: Kenneth Grant (DT, Michigan)
14) Indianapolis Colts: Tyler Warren (TE, Penn State)
15) Atlanta Falcons: Jalon Walker (LB, Georgia)
16) Arizona Cardinals: Walter Nolen (DT, Ole Miss)
17) Cincinnati Bengals: Shemar Stewart (DE, Texas A&M)
18) Seattle Seahawks: Grey Zabel (OL, North Dakota State)
19) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Emeka Egbuka (WR, Ohio State)
20) Denver Broncos: Jahdae Barron (CB, Texas)
21) Pittsburgh Steelers: Derrick Harmon (DT, Oregon)
22) Los Angeles Chargers: Omarion Hampton (RB, North Carolina)
23) Green Bay Packers: Matthew Golden (WR, Texas)
24) Minnesota Vikings: Donovan Jackson (G, Ohio State)
25) New York Giants (from Texans): Jaxson Dart, QB (Ole Miss)
26) Atlanta Falcons (from Rams): James Pearce (DE, Tennessee)
27) Baltimore Ravens: Malaki Starks (S, Georgia)
28) Detroit Lions: Tyleik Williams (DT, Ohio State)
29) Washington Commanders: Josh Conerly Jr. (T, Oregon)
30) Buffalo Bills: Maxwell Hairston (CB, Kentucky)
31) Philadelphia Eagles (from Chiefs): Jihaad Campbell (LB, Alabama)
32) Kansas City Chiefs (from Eagles): Josh Simmons (T, Ohio State)
Round 2
33) Cleveland Browns: Carson Schwesinger (LB, UCLA)
34) Houston Texans (from Giants): Jayden Higgins (WR, Iowa State)
35) Seattle Seahawks (from Titans): Nick Emmanwori (S, South Carolina)
36) Cleveland Browns (from Jaguars): Quinshon Judkins (RB, Ohio State)
37) Miami Dolphins (from Raiders): Jonah Savaiinaea (G, Arizona)
38) New England Patriots: TreVeyon Henderson (RB, Ohio State)
39) Chicago Bears (from Panthers): Luther Burden (WR, Missouri)
40) New Orleans Saints: Tyler Shough (QB, Louisville)
41) Buffalo Bills (from Bears): T.J. Sanders (DT, South Carolina)
42) New York Jets: Mason Taylor (TE, LSU)
43) San Francisco 49ers: Alfred Collins (DT, Texas)
44) Dallas Cowboys: Donovan Ezeiruaku (DE, Boston College)
45) Indianapolis Colts: J.T. Tuimoloau (DE, Ohio State)
46) Los Angeles Rams (from Falcons): Terrance Ferguson (TE, Oregon)
47) Arizona Cardinals: Will Johnson (CB, Michigan)
48) Houston Texans (from Dolphins through Raiders): Aireontae Ersery (T, Minnesota)
49) Cincinnati Bengals: Demetrius Knight (LB, South Carolina)
50) Seattle Seahawks: Elijah Arroyo (TE, Miami)
51) Carolina Panthers (from Broncos): Nic Scourton (DE, Texas A&M)
52) Tennessee Titans (from Steelers through Seahawks): Femi Oladejo (OLB, UCLA)
53) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Benjamin Morrison (CB, Notre Dame)
54) Green Bay Packers: Anthony Belton, T (NC State)
55) Los Angeles Chargers: Tre Harris (WR, Ole Miss)
56) Chicago Bears (from Vikings through Texans and Bills): Ozzy Trapilo (T, Boston College)
57) Detroit Lions (from Panthers through Rams and Broncos): Tate Ratledge (G, Georgia)
58) Las Vegas Raiders (from Texans): Jack Bech (WR, TCU)
59) Baltimore Ravens: Mike Green (OLB, Marshall)
60) Denver Broncos (from Lions): R.J. Harvey (RB, Central Florida)
61) Washington Commanders: Trey Amos (CB, Ole Miss)
62) Chicago Bears (from Bills): Shemar Turner (DT, Texas A&M)
63) Kansas City Chiefs: Omarr Norman-Lott (DT, Tennessee)
64) Philadelphia Eagles: Andrew Mukuba (S, Texas)
Round 3
65) New York Giants: Darius Alexander (DT, Toledo)
66) Kansas City Chiefs (from Titans): Ashton Gillotte (DE, Louisville)
67) Cleveland Browns: Harold Fannin Jr. (TE, Bowling Green)
68) Las Vegas Raiders: Darien Porter (CB, Iowa State)
69) New England Patriots: Kyle Williams (WR, Washington State)
70) Detroit Lions (from Jaguars): Isaac TeSlaa (WR, Arkansas)
71) New Orleans Saints: Vernon Broughton (DT, Texas)
72) Buffalo Bills (from Bears): Landon Jackson (DE, Arkansas)
73) New York Jets: Azareye’h Thomas (CB, Florida State)
74) Denver Broncos (from Panthers): Pat Bryant (WR, Illinois)
75) San Francisco 49ers: Nick Martin (LB, Oklahoma State)
76) Dallas Cowboys: Shavon Revel (CB, East Carolina)
77) Carolina Panthers (from Patriots): Princely Umanmielen (OLB, Ole Miss)
78) Arizona Cardinals: Jordan Burch (OLB, Oregon)
79) Houston Texans (from Dolphins through Eagles via Commanders): Jaylin Noel (WR, Iowa State)
80) Indianapolis Colts: Justin Walley (CB, Minnesota)
81) Cincinnati Bengals: Dylan Fairchild (G, Georgia)
82) Tennessee Titans (from Seahawks): Kevin Winston (S, Penn State)
83) Pittsburgh Steelers: Kaleb Johnson (RB, Iowa)
84) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jacob Parrish (CB, Kansas State)
85) Kansas City Chiefs from Broncos through Panthers and Patriots): Nohl Williams (CB, Cal)
86) Los Angeles Chargers: Jamaree Caldwell (DT, Oregon)
87) Green Bay Packers: Savion Williams (WR, TCU)
88) Jacksonville Jaguars (from Vikings): Caleb Ransaw (CB, Tulane)
89) Jacksonville Jaguars (from Texans): Wyatt Milum (G, West Virginia)
90) Los Angeles Rams: Josaiah Stewart (OLB, Michigan)
91) Baltimore Ravens: Emery Jones (T, LSU)
92) Seattle Seahawks (from Lions through Jets via Raiders): Jalen Milroe (QB, Alabama)
93) New Orleans Saints (from Commanders): Jonas Sanker (S, Virginia)
94) Cleveland Browns (from Bills): Dillon Gabriel (QB, Oregon)
95) New England Patriots (from Chiefs): Jared Wilson (C, Georgia)
96) Atlanta Falcons (from Eagles): Xavier Watts (S, Notre Dame)
97) Houston Texans (from Vikings)*: Jaylin Smith (CB, USC)
98) Las Vegas Raiders (from Dolphins)*: Caleb Rogers (G, Texas Tech)
99) Las Vegas Raiders (from Giants through Texans)*: Charles Grant (T, William & Mary)
100) San Francisco 49ers*: Upton Stout (CB, Western Kentucky)
101) Denver Broncos (from Rams through Falcons and Eagles)*: Sai’Vion Jones (DE, LSU)
102) Minnesota Vikings (from Lions through Jaguars and Texans)*: Tai Felton (WR, Maryland)
Round 4
103) Tennessee Titans: Chimere Dike (WR, Florida)
104) Jacksonville Jaguars (from Browns): Bhayshul Tuten (RB, Virginia Tech)
105) New York Giants: Cameron Skattebo (RB, Arizona State)
106) New England Patriots: Craig Woodson (S, Cal)
107) Jacksonville Jaguars: Jack Kiser (LB, Notre Dame)
108) Las Vegas Raiders: Dont’e Thornton (WR, Tennessee)
109) Buffalo Bills (from Bears through Bills and Bears): Deone Walker (DT, Kentucky)
110) New York Jets: Arian Smith (WR, Georgia)
111) Philadelphia Eagles (from Panthers through Broncos): Ty Robinson (DT, Nebraska)
112) New Orleans Saints: Danny Stutsman (LB, Oklahoma)
113) San Francisco 49ers: CJ West (DT, Indiana)
114) Carolina Panthers (from Cowboys): Trevor Etienne (RB, Georgia)
115) Arizona Cardinals: Cody Simon (LB, Ohio State)
116) Houston Texans (from Dolphins): Woody Marks (RB, USC)
117) Los Angeles Rams (from Colts): Jarquez Hunter (RB, Arizona)
118) Atlanta Falcons: Billy Bowman (S, Oklahoma)
119) Cincinnati Bengals: Barrett Carter (LB, Clemson)
120) Tennessee Titans (from Seahawks): Gunnar Helm (TE, Texas)
121) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: David Walker (OLB, Central Arkansas)
122) Carolina Panthers (from Broncos): Lathan Ransom (S, Ohio State)
123) Pittsburgh Steelers: Jack Sawyer (OLB, Ohio State)
124) Green Bay Packers: Barryn Sorrell (DE, Texas)
125) Los Angeles Chargers: Kyle Kennard (OLB, South Carolina)
126) Cleveland Browns (from Vikings through Jaguars): Dylan Sampson (RB, Tennessee)
127) Indianapolis Colts (from Rams): Jalen Travis (T, Iowa State)
128) Washington Commanders (from Texans): Jaylin Lane (WR, Virginia Tech)
129) Baltimore Ravens: Teddye Buchanan (LB, Cal)
130) New York Jets (from Lions, Broncos and Eagles): Malachi Moore (S, Alabama)
131) New Orleans Saints (from Commanders): Quincy Riley (CB, Louisville)
132) Chicago Bears (from Bills): Ruban Hyppolite (LB, Maryland)
133) Kansas City Chiefs: Jalen Royals (WR, Utah State)
134) Denver Broncos (from Eagles through Lions and Eagles): Que Robinson (OLB, Alabama)
135) Las Vegas Raiders (from Dolphins)*: Tonka Hemingway (DT, South Carolina)
136) Tennessee Titans (from Ravens)*: Elic Ayomanor (WR, Stanford)
137) New England Patriots (from Seahawks)*: Joshua Farmer (DT, Florida State)
138) San Francisco 49ers*: Jordan Watkins (WR, Ole Miss)
Round 5
139) Minnesota Vikings (from Browns): Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins (DT, Georgia)
140) Carolina Panthers (from Giants): Cam Jackson (DT, Florida)
141) Baltimore Ravens (from Titans): Carson Vinson (T, Alabama A&M)
142) Seattle Seahawks (from Jaguars through Texans and Vikings): Rylie Mills (DT, Notre Dame)
143) Miami Dolphins (from Raiders): Jordan Phillips (DT, Maryland)
144) Cleveland Browns (from Patriots through Seahawks): Shedeur Sanders (QB, Colorado)
145) Philadelphia Eagles (from Jets): Mac McWilliams (CB, Central Florida)
146) New England Patriots (from Panthers): Bradyn Swinson (OLB, LSU)
147) San Francisco 49ers (from Saints through Commanders): Jordan James (RB, Oregon)
148) Los Angeles Rams (from Bears): Ty Hamilton (DT, Ohio State)
149) Dallas Cowboys: Jaydon Blue (RB, Texas)
150) Miami Dolphins: Jason Marshall (CB, Florida)
151) Indianapolis Colts: DJ Giddens (RB, Kansas State)
152) Dallas Cowboys (from Cardinals): Shemar James (LB, Florida)
153) Cincinnati Bengals: Jalen Rivers (T, Miami)
154) New York Giants (from Seahawks): Marcus Mbow (G, Purdue)
155) Miami Dolphins (from Broncos): Dante Trader (S, Maryland)
156) Kansas City Chiefs (from Steelers): Jeffrey Bassa (LB, Oregon)
157) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Elijah Roberts (OLB, SMU)
158) Los Angeles Chargers: KeAndre Lambert-Smith (WR, Auburn)
159) Green Bay Packers: Collin Oliver (DE, Oklahoma State)
160) San Francisco 49ers (from Vikings): Marques Sigle (S, Kansas State)
161) Philadelphia Eagles (from Texans): Smael Mondon (LB, Georgia)
162) New York Jets (from Rams through Steelers): Francisco Mauigoa (LB, Miami)
163) Carolina Panthers (from Ravens): Mitchell Evans (TE, Notre Dame)
164) Pittsburgh Steelers (from Lions through Browns, Eagles and Chiefs): Yahya Black (DE, Iowa)
165) Los Angeles Chargers (from Commanders through Eagles): Oronde Gadsden II (TE, Syracuse)
166) Seattle Seahawks (from Bills through Texans and Browns): Tory Horton (WR, Colorado State)
167) Tennessee Titans (from Chiefs): Jackson Slater (G, Sacramento State)
168) Philadelphia Eagles: Drew Kendall (C, Boston College)
169) Chicago Bears (from Bills)*: Zah Frazier (CB, Texas-San Antonio)
170) Buffalo Bills (from Cowboys)*: Jordan Hancock (CB, Ohio State)
171) Detroit Lions (from Cowboys through Patriots)*: Miles Frazier (G, LSU)
172) Los Angeles Rams (from Seahawks through Vikings)*: Chris Paul Jr. (LB, Ole Miss)
173) Buffalo Bills*: Jackson Hawes (TE, Georgia Tech)
174) Arizona Cardinals (from Cowboys)*: Denzel Burke (CB, Ohio State)
175) Seattle Seahawks*: Robbie Ouzts (TE, Alabama)
176) New York Jets (from Ravens)*: Tyler Baron (DE, Miami)
Round 6
177) Buffalo Bills (from Giants): Dorian Strong (CB, Virginia Tech)
178) Baltimore Ravens (from Titans): Bilhal Kone (CB, Western Michigan)
179) Miami Dolphins (from Browns through Texans): Ollie Gordon (RB, Oklahoma State)
180) Las Vegas Raiders: J.J. Pegues (DT, Ole Miss)
181) Philadelphia Eagles (from Patriots through Chargers): Kyle McCord (QB, Syracuse)
182) New England Patriots (from Jaguars through Lions): Andres Borregales (K, Miami)
183) Tennessee Titans (from Panthers through Ravens): Marcus Harris (CB, Cal)
184) New Orleans Saints (reacquired through Commanders): Devin Neal (RB, Kansas)
185) Pittsburgh Steelers (from Bears through Seahawks): Will Howard (QB, Ohio State)
186) Baltimore Ravens (from Jets): Tyler Loop (K, Arizona)
187) Houston Texans (from 49ers through Vikings): Jaylen Reed (S, Penn State)
188) Tennessee Titans (from Cowboys): Kalel Mullings (RB, Michigan)
189) Indianapolis Colts: Riley Leonard (QB, Notre Dame)
190) Indianapolis Colts (from Falcons through Rams): Tim Smith (DT, Alabama)
191) Philadelphia Eagles (from Cardinals through Broncos): Myles Hinton (OL, Michigan)
192) Seattle Seahawks (from Dolphins through Bears): Bryce Cabeldue (G, Kansas)
193) Cincinnati Bengals: Tahj Brooks (RB, Texas Tech)
194) Jacksonville Jaguars (from Seahawks): Jalen McLeod (LB, Auburn)
195) Chicago Bears (from Steelers and Rams): Luke Newman (G, Michigan State)
196) Detroit Lions (from Buccaneers): Ahmed Hassanein (OLB, Boise State)
197) Houston Texans (from Broncos): Graham Mertz (QB, Florida)
198) Green Bay Packers: Warren Brinson (DT, Georgia)
199) Los Angeles Chargers: Branson Taylor (G, Pittsburgh)
200) Jacksonville Jaguars (from Vikings through Browns): Rayuan Lane (S, Navy)
201) Minnesota Vikings (from Rams): Kobe King (LB, Penn State)
202) Minnesota Vikings (from Texans through Steelers, Bears and Rams): Gavin Bartholomew (TE, Pittsburgh)
203) Baltimore Ravens: LaJohntay Wester (WR, Colorado)
204) Dallas Cowboys (from Lions through Browns via Bills): Ajani Cornelius (G, Oregon)
205) Washington Commanders: Kain Medrano (LB, UCLA)
206) Buffalo Bills: Chase Lundt (T, UConn)
207) Philadelphia Eagles (from Chiefs): Cameron Williams (T, Texas)
208) Carolina Panthers (from Eagles through Broncos): Jimmy Horn (WR, Colorado)
209) Philadelphia Eagles (from Chargers)*: Antwaun Powell-Ryland (DE, Virginia Tech)
210) Baltimore Ravens*: Aeneas Peebles (DT, Virginia Tech)
211) Arizona Cardinals (from Cowboys)*: Hayden Conner (G, Texas)
212) Baltimore Ravens*: Robert Longerbeam (CB, Rutgers)
213) Las Vegas Raiders*: Tommy Mellott (QB/WR, Montana State)
214) Los Angeles Chargers*: R.J. Mickens (S, Clemson)
215) Las Vegas Raiders*: Cam Miller (QB, North Dakota State)
216) Denver Broncos (from Browns through Texans)*: Jeremy Crawshaw (P, Florida)
Round 7
217) Dallas Cowboys (from Titans through Patriots): Jay Toia (DT, UCLA)
218) Atlanta Falcons (from Browns through Chargers): Jack Nelson (T, Wisconsin)
219) New York Giants: Thomas Fidone III (TE, Nebraska)
220) New England Patriots: Marcus Bryant (T, Missouri)
221) Jacksonville Jaguars: Jonah Monheim (C, USC)
222) Las Vegas Raiders: Cody Lindenberg (LB, Minnesota)
223) Seattle Seahawks (from Saints through Eagles via Steelers): Damien Martinez (RB, Miami)
224) Houston Texans (from Bears through Texans): Kyonte Hamilton (DT, Rutgers)
225) Arizona Cardinals (from Jets through Chiefs): Kitan Crawford (S, Nevada)
226) Pittsburgh Steelers (from Panthers and Chiefs): Carson Bruener (LB, Washington)
227) San Francisco 49ers: Kurtis Rourke (QB, Indiana)
228) Kansas City Chiefs (from Cowboys through Lions via Patriots): Brashard Smith (RB, SMU)
229) Pittsburgh Steelers (from Falcons through Eagles): Donte Kent (CB, Central Michigan)
230) Detroit Lions (from Cardinals through Panthers and Broncos): Dan Jackson (S, Georgia)
231) Miami Dolphins: Quinn Ewers (QB, Texas)
232) Indianapolis Colts: Hunter Wohler (S, Wisconsin)
233) Chicago Bears (from Bengals): Kyle Monangai (RB, Rutgers)
234) Seattle Seahawks: Mason Richman (T, Iowa)
235) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Tez Johnson (WR ,Oregon)
236) Jacksonville Jaguars (from Broncos through Eagles, Commanders and Texans): LeQuint Allen (RB, Syracuse)
237) Green Bay Packers (from Steelers): Micah Robinson (CB, Tulane)
238) Seattle Seahawks from Chargers through Patriots): Ricky White (WR, UNLV)
239) Dallas Cowboys (from Packers through Titans): Phil Mafah (RB, Clemson)
240) Buffalo Bills (from Vikings through Browns and Bears): Kaden Prather (WR, Maryland)
241) Denver Broncos (from Texans): Caleb Lohner (TE, Utah)
242) Los Angeles Rams (reacquired from Falcons): Konata Mumpfield (WR, Pittsburgh)
243) Baltimore Ravens: Garrett Dellinger (G, LSU)
244) Detroit Lions: Dominic Lovett (WR, Georgia)
245) Washington Commanders: Jacory Croskey-Merritt (RB, Arizona)
246) New York Giants (from Bills): Korie Black (CB, Oklahoma State)
247) Dallas Cowboys (from Chiefs through Panthers): Tommy Akingbesote (DT, Maryland)
248) New Orleans Saints (from Eagles through Commanders): Moliki Matavao (TE, UCLA)
249) San Francisco 49ers*: Connor Colby (G, Iowa)
250) Green Bay Packers*: John Williams (G, Cincinnati)
251) New England Patriots (from Chiefs)*: Julian Ashby (LS, Vanderbilt)
252) San Francisco 49ers*: Junior Bergen (WR, Montana)
253) Miami Dolphins*: Zeek Biggers (DT, Georgia Tech)
254) New Orleans Saints*: Fadil Diggs (DE, Syracuse)
255) Houston Texans (from Browns)*: Luke Lachey (TE, Iowa)
256) Los Angeles Chargers*: Trikweze Bridges (CB, Florida)
257) New England Patriots (from Chiefs)* Kobee Minor (CB, Memphis)
* = compensatory pick
Steelers Select QB Will Howard At 185
The Steelers are the next team to make a Day 3 addition under center. Ohio State’s Will Howard has been selected 185th overall. 
Pittsburgh was among the teams named as a suitor for a first-round QB pick, but the team did not take that route. As Day 2 progressed, it became known an Aaron Rodgers signing remains firmly on the Steelers’ radar. Owner Art Rooney II said on Friday the 41-year-old “wants” to play in Pittsburgh next season.
Rooney also made it clear any rookie brought into the fold would not be expected to see playing time right away. In Howard’s case, that means he will likely find himself competing for the backup spot this offseason on a depth chart which also features Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson.
During a four-year run at Kansas State, Howard made 28 starts. He transferred to Ohio State last year, taking the place of Kyle McCord (who was just drafted by the Eagles). Howard enjoyed by far his most productive campaign, racking up over 4,000 yards, a 35:10 touchdown-to-interception ratio and completing 73% of his passes. A third-team All-Big Ten performer, Howard was named the Offensive MVP of the national title game while helping lead the Buckeyes to the championship.
As things stand, Rudolph is still on track to operate as the Steelers’ starter for at least one season. He totaled 13 starts across his first Pittsburgh stint, but the expectation has remained during the offseason another move would be made in the wake of Russell Wilson and Justin Fields departing in free agency. It will be interesting to see if that turns out to be a one-year Rodgers arrangement after the draft is completed. In any case, Howard will look to secure at least the QB2 gig at the NFL level beginning in 2025.
Chiefs Acquire No. 156, Select LB Jeffrey Bassa
The Chiefs are moving up eight spots in the draft. Kansas City has acquired pick No. 156 from the Steelers, per ESPN’s Brooke Pryor. In return, Pittsburgh will receive picks No. 164 and No. 226.
The Chiefs will use their upgraded pick on Oregon linebacker Jeffrey Bassa. This is the team’s fourth defensive selection through six picks.
Bassa is coming off four productive seasons at Oregon, where he collected 236 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, and three interceptions in 55 appearances. His standout 2023 campaign culminated in him earning Fiesta Bowl Defensive MVP honors, and his slight step back in 2024 may have contributed to his fifth-round selection.
A former safety, Bassa mostly served as a Mike linebacker during his time with the Ducks. His leadership and versatility should help him stick around the NFL, and improved consistency could eventually lead to a starting gig.
He lands in a great spot in Kansas City, although he may have to wait a bit to play a significant role. Nick Bolton is entrenched as the MLB, with Cam Jones serving as the backup. Perhaps Bassa could emerge as the main backup by the end of the 2025 campaign, but he’ll temporarily compete with Cole Christiansen and Shaun Bradley for third-string reps.
Teams Concerned About Shedeur Sanders Attention, Steelers Could Still Be An Option
Shedeur Sanders‘ stunning fall down the draft board was quickly attributed to a questionable skill set and/or a perceived lack of maturity. ESPN’s Stephen Holder points to another concern among teams: the “circus” that would accompany a Sanders selection.
Holder is adamant that Sanders’ first-round snub was about talent, but he believes his Day 2 absence was “about something else.” The reporter references Tim Tebow‘s free agency, noting that teams were wary of the attention that naturally follows a “celebrity” athlete. Sanders obviously isn’t an exact equivalent to Tebow, but the popular Colorado star will now attract even more attention after suddenly dropping out of the first two days of the draft.
There’s been a popular sentiment today that the reward now outweighs any risk, but that would likely only apply to teams that don’t have a future answer at QB. When it comes to teams that would only consider Sanders as a backup, Holder warns that the concerns would only become “more pronounced.”
It’s still assumed that Sanders will hear his name called at some point today, although potential landing spots continue to dry up. The Giants were once a key suitor for Sanders, but the team clearly removed themselves from that sweepstakes when they traded back into the first to select Jaxson Dart. We later heard reports that a meeting between Sanders and Giants head coach Brian Daboll had not gone well, and the organization’s interest in the prospect cooled as the coaching staff became more involved in the evaluation process. Concerns about maturity appear to extend beyond the Giants.
The Browns were also mentioned as a Sanders suitor, but they used a third-round selection on Oregon’s Dillon Gabriel. The Saints also seemingly confirmed a report that they wouldn’t be pursuing the Colorado product, as New Orleans used a second-round pick on Louisville’s Tyler Shough.
There is one clear QB-needy squad that could still select Sanders. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Steelers remain an option for the prospect, as the organization is confident Sanders could serve “as a distributing point guard in its offense.” Fowler adds that the Steelers have also done extensive work on Ohio State’s Will Howard.
The Steelers are still awaiting a resolution on Aaron Rodgers, although owner Art Rooney II said last night that the veteran free agent wants to play in Pittsburgh. Even if a signing comes to fruition, the Steelers would still be a natural landing spot for rookie QBs. The team’s current QB depth consists of Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson, so the front office could be seeking an upgrade for both now and the future.
Art Rooney II: Aaron Rodgers Wants To Play For Steelers
With the third round of the NFL draft ongoing, Aaron Rodgers looms over the developing quarterback landscape. Connections to the Steelers continue as the team weighs a potential rookie addition. 
Owner Art Rooney II said during a Friday appearance on Steelers Now that Rodgers does “want” to come to Pittsburgh (h/t ESPN’s Brooke Pryor). He added news on this long-running front may be coming soon as a result.
Team and player have remained in communication this week, with the Steelers obviously preferring to have clarity on whether or not Rodgers will sign prior to the start of the draft. It remains to be seen if the 41-year-old will play at all next year, but if he does a short Pittsburgh stint would come as no surprise given the interest shown in him. No timeline is in place, but a number of QB prospects are still on the board with the Steelers due to pick 83rd overall.
During his recent public comments on his situation, Rodgers said personal matters are currently receiving the bulk of his attention during his lengthy free agent stint. The four-time MVP has communicated to teams he is prepared to take a one-year deal in the $10MM range, an arrangement which would certainly leave the door open to the addition of a rookie. Rodgers is (at least publicly) on board with suitors moving forward with a QB draft pick, and it will be interesting to see if the Steelers do indeed go that route soon.
Pittsburgh was among the teams which had a first-round grade on Jaxson Dart, but the team turned down the opportunity to select him and instead took Oregon defensive tackle Derrick Harmon. Shedeur Sanders, meanwhile, remains on the board with the opening two rounds in the books. Head coach Mike Tomlin is believed to be a fan of Sanders, making him a potential target with the team’s third-rounder.
In any event, Rooney’s comments made it clear a rookie would not be expected to handle starting duties right away in 2025. The team has Mason Rudolph back in the fold for next season, and Rodgers would of course occupy the QB1 role in the event he were to take Pittsburgh’s long-standing offer. A long-term solution under center remains a logical goal, though.
“It’s going to be somebody that will be developing and may play down the road,” Rooney said (via Alan Saunders of Steelers Now). “It’s not like somebody that’s going to have a big impact on this season.”
The Steelers have made it clear they will enter training camp with four quarterbacks, two more than they currently have. Rodgers is obviously still in play to join the team at some point as the wait continues with respect to seeing Pittsburgh’s draft plans.
Steelers Land RB Kaleb Johnson At No. 83
The Shedeur Sanders (and Aaron Rodgers) waits continue. As owner Art Rooney II offered another optimistic stance on Rodgers’ eventual commitment, Pittsburgh again passed on Sanders. 
The team chose Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson at No. 83 overall. This is only the Steelers’ second pick of the draft, as the team had traded its second-rounder to the Seahawks in the D.K. Metcalf deal.
While the Steelers continuing to punt on their QB need is probably more newsworthy at this point, Johnson is poised to become a key player for the team (and wear a similar uniform). The ex-Hawkeye joins a Steelers squad that has two veterans (Jaylen Warren, Kenneth Gainwell) on one-year contracts.
The No. 3-ranked running back on Dane Brugler’s The Athletic big board, Johnson nevertheless lasted until the early third round. He represents the Steelers’ biggest RB commitment since their 2021 Najee Harris first-round pick. Warren is tied to a second-round RFA tender, while Gainwell signed for less than $2MM. As Harris moved to Los Angeles on a one-year deal, the Steelers have fully retooled in the backfield. It remains unknown who will be handing these RBs the ball, however.
Johnson led the Big Ten in rushing last season, averaging 6.4 yards per attempt and scoring 21 touchdowns on the ground. That helped him earn consensus All-American honors in 2024 and cement his status as one the most highly rated backs in a strong draft class. Despite a lengthy wait, Johnson could see plenty of playing time early in his NFL career. Meanwhile, uncertainty continues to loom regarding how the Steelers will proceed under center.
Adam La Rose contributed to this post.
Steelers Sought Aaron Rodgers Answer During Draft Week
3:40pm: Dialogue between team and player continues in this case, Dianna Russini of The Athletic reports. She adds there is still no timeline in place for a decision to be made, so attention will remain focused on Pittsburgh’s draft moves (if any) under center.
12:02pm: Aaron Rodgers received an offer to start for the Steelers at free agency’s outset. That was more than six weeks ago. The future Hall of Fame quarterback has not determined if he will play in 2025, even as previous reports pointed to it. The Steelers are also not believed to be Rodgers’ first choice.
As the Vikings have stiff-armed the ex-Packers and Jets starter, while they wait to see if J.J. McCarthy can seize the Week 1 job, the Steelers still would provide a clear-cut path for Rodgers to remain a starter. The 41-year-old QB said last week, during his first Pat McAfee Show appearance since his Jets release, he would not attempt to dictate any draft move an interested team made. But the Steelers, after choosing Oregon defensive lineman Derrick Harmon at No. 21, are still in dire need of a quarterback.
[RELATED: Some Among Steelers Souring On Rodgers Play?]
It would make sense if the team received some degree of assurance Rodgers would sign, but that still does not appear to be the case. The Steelers also are believed to have reached out for clarity before the draft, as The Exhibit’s Josina Anderson reports the team communicated with Rodgers this week in hopes he would give an answer at least 48 hours before the draft. The Steelers’ Harmon pick could be a sign the team received the answer it wanted, but considering how Rodgers has played his free agency so far, his top suitor may well remain in the dark.
The Steelers enter Day 2 of the draft without a second-round pick, having dealt it to the Seahawks for D.K. Metcalf. This limits the team’s chances to add one of the top remaining quarterbacks. Connections to Shedeur Sanders and Jaxson Dart came out during the pre-draft process. Dart went to the Giants at No. 25, while Sanders remains on the board.
Although the Colorado QB’s stock has undeniably dipped since the Buffaloes’ season ended, it would still surprise if Sanders were available by the time the Steelers’ third-round pick (No. 83) went on the clock. That would put a trade-up into play, though an early Jalen Milroe connection emerged as well. The Steelers also did work on Quinn Ewers, Will Howard and Kyle McCord. Each member of trio may well be there by No. 83, though Milroe is not expected to fall that far. Pittsburgh adding Ewers, Howard or McCord, however, would call into question the team’s plan for 2025.
If Rodgers continues to pause a Steelers signing, the organization may be forced to act. Kirk Cousins has come up at multiple junctures for the AFC North team, but a roster with both he and Rodgers would not make sense. Cousins is not believed to be interested in waiving his no-trade clause for a team that adds a potential rookie starter.
The Steelers could attempt to thread the needle by adding a third-round QB or using a Day 3 pick on the position, keeping the door open for Cousins or Rodgers to accompany Mason Rudolph. But the team will run the risk of losing out altogether — depending on the Falcons’ decision (which still involves a team taking on a sizable chunk of Cousins’ money) and Rodgers’ retirement call. The Steelers are believed to want to make their QB draft investment this year or next, but they held off on Dart and Sanders last night, having been burned by a QB reach (for Kenny Pickett) recently.
While Mike Tomlin has said he would feel comfortable starting Rudolph, that probably should not even be considered Plan B for the Steelers. Cousins or a Day 2 rookie probably would be the team’s preferred starter, if Rodgers refuses to sign. Art Rooney II said the team is OK waiting on Rodgers and expressed confidence at the owners meetings Rodgers would sign. But this draft news does confirm some understandable impatience on the organization’s part. It will be interesting to see how the Steelers proceed tonight.