The Pittsburgh Steelers had an opportunity to draft Shedeur Sanders late in the first round on Thursday night, but they chose to address a different need instead. Their owner may have had something to do with that decision.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported earlier this week that the Steelers were preparing to alter their draft plans in the event that Sanders fell to them at 21st overall. Though Sanders was available at that pick, Pittsburgh still passed on the quarterback and selected former Oregon defensive tackle Derrick Harmon instead.
Did owner Art Rooney II influence the pick? On Friday morning, Andrew Fillipponi of 93.7 The Fan in Pittsburgh reported that Harmon was the “clear favorite” to be drafted 21st overall by the Steelers. Part of the reason for that is that Rooney had been vocal about wanting the team to address their defensive line issues.
Source: Derrick Harmon has emerged as the “clear favorite” to be the Steelers 1st round pick. Quote: “he’s the total package.” Art Rooney II has been very vocal about Steelers addressing d-line. Something that didn’t happen in free agency. Stay tuned. pic.twitter.com/KduIfelAip
— Andrew Fillipponi (@ThePoniExpress) April 16, 2025
Most owners try not to meddle in football decisions, but there have been plenty of instances where their opinions serve as the tie-breaker during the NFL Draft. Though the Steelers seemed to have real interest in Sanders, it is possible that Rooney steered his football people in a different direction.
The Steelers are not scheduled to pick again until the third round (No. 83 overall), so that may have also been a factor in why they chose to address the defensive line rather than drafting a quarterback who might not even start for them right away.
Sanders fell out of the first round altogether, which was a bigger surprise than him not being drafted by Pittsburgh. The New York Giants, who were also linked to Sanders in the weeks leading up to the draft, took Abdul Carter at No. 3 and then acquired an additional first-round pick via a trade with the Houston Texans. The Giants then drafted Jaxson Dart rather than Sanders at No. 25.
Fans all had the same message for Sanders after he did not hear his name called on Thursday night.
