Why did Steelers ditch Shedeur Sanders to draft Derrick Harmon with No. 21 pick? Exploring reasons for Mike Tomlin's decision

When the 21st overall pick rolled around in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Steelers had a decision to make between Shedeur Sanders or someone like Derrick Harmon. Mike Tomlin chose to go with improving the defensive side and selected the defensive tackle over the quarterback.

It immediately gave an insight into how the AFC North team is approaching this season and the future. Here are some of the reasons that the Steelers decided to go with Derrick Harmon over Shedeur Sanders.

First, they have recent experience with Kenny Pickett. He was a quarterback in a class that was underrated, and they took a chance with him. It did not work out, and he is now with the Browns via the Eagles. He is designated as a backup to Deshaun Watson. So, Mike Tomlin might feel that he needs to get someone proven like Aaron Rodgers for this season rather than going with an unproven rookie.

Second, if that is the thought process, they need a strong defense to give them the best chance to compete in the small window that a veteran quarterback is there. They have already added DK Metcalf to improve their depth on the offensive side, but they needed a defensive tackle like Derrick Harmon. It seems like the Steelers, therefore, will run with a veteran quarterback before assessing their options again in 2026.

Mike Tomlin opens up about drafting Derrick Harmon and not Shedeur Sanders with Steelers' No. 21 pick

Mike Tomlin had high praise after Derrick Harmon and said that he is looking forward to the rookie contributing both in the run and pass games. The Steelers' head coach also mentioned how the youngster could learn from someone like Cam Heyward and become part of Pittsburgh's long-term future.

"He has Steelers DNA. For us it starts inside and up front. This is a guy that is capable of dominating that space versus the run and the pass. We are excited about having him... You don't have a chance to build a quality defense unless you are stout inside and up front. This is a guy that has an opportunity to learn from the likes of Cam Heyward and put his hand in the pile and be a significant contributor for us for years to come."

Mike Tomlin also praised Derrick Harmon's performance in the Combine and during his visit to Pittsburgh. He said,

"I think he has been impressive in every step of the process for us. His tape was impressive. We had great visits with him in Indy. He came to Pittsburgh, and we had a great day with him. With each interaction we got more and more comfortable that he was our type of guy."

There might be some other team for Shedeur Sanders, but it seems to be clear from the head coach's comments that the Steelers were never seriously considering him anyway.