2025 Steelers Camp Preview - Sawyer's Impact Potential In His Rookie Season

Rookie linebacker Jack Sawyer arrives in his first ever training camp in Pittsburgh with a rich collegiate resume and a ton of promise.

Drafted in the fourth round out of Ohio State, the talented linebacker played a key role in the Buckeyes’ 2024 national championship run, including a game-turning strip sack and 83-yard fumble return for a touchdown in the title game against Texas. Over his final two seasons, Sawyer compiled 14 sacks, 17.5 tackles for loss, and five forced fumbles — numbers that show off both his disruptive ability and consistency. He proved to be a clutch performer, especially in the College Football Playoff where he notched 13 tackles, 4.5 sacks, and seven pass breakups over four games, which serves as proof his ability to thrive under pressure.

Beyond stats, Sawyer has quickly earned praise inside the Steelers facility. Outside linebackers coach Denzel Martin described him as “eager to learn” and “exciting to work with,” highlighting Sawyer’s size, movement skills, and intense drive to improve. With a reputation for football intelligence and discipline — particularly against the run — Sawyer appears well-suited for Pittsburgh’s traditionally complex defensive schemes. His maturity and mindset give him a strong foundation as he transitions to the pro level.

While he starts the season buried on the depth chart behind stars like T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith, Sawyer is expected to contribute immediately on special teams and earn rotational snaps on defense. His power-based pass rush style meshes well with the rugged, physical identity of the Steelers’ front seven. Historically, Pittsburgh has turned mid-round draft picks into stars — players like Greg Lloyd and Joey Porter began their careers in similar spots. Sawyer has the tools and temperament to follow in those footsteps.

In all likelihood, special teams will be Sawyer’s first proving ground. There, he can showcase his hustle, field awareness, and open-field tackling. With Watt entering his tenth season and dealing with a history of injuries, there’s a realistic path for Sawyer to earn increased reps

If he continues to impress in training camp and preseason action, Sawyer could emerge as one of the Steelers’ most exciting rookie contributors — and maybe even more as the season unfolds.