Analyzing Steelers 2025 Fourth-Round Pick Jack Sawyer - Built For Power

The story of rookie Jack Sawyer's football journey begins with his parents, Michelle and Lyle Sawyer.

Both Michelle and Lyle come from strong athletic backgrounds. Lyle was a standout college football player at Findlay College, while Michelle excelled in basketball at Pickerington. What remains true about both of them is their unwavering dedication to their children, particularly Jack, whom they supported throughout his early years in high school.

During his time at Pickerington High School North, Jack established himself as a highly accomplished athlete, earning a spot on the varsity football team as a freshman. Initially, he played as a quarterback and served as the backup tight end before transitioning to defensive end in his sophomore year—a move that ultimately defined his future in football. As a junior, Jack was named the OCC-Ohio Division Defensive Player of the Year in recognition of his outstanding performance on the field.

With the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Jack made the decision to forgo his final year of high school football. Despite this, he remained highly regarded, earning the distinction of being the No. 4 overall prep player in the nation. He ultimately chose to prepare for early enrollment at Ohio State.

Jack’s collegiate career began on a promising note. As a true freshman, he recorded 13 total tackles and three sacks. In his sophomore season, he elevated his game, amassing 24 total tackles, 4.5 sacks, and seven tackles for loss. His junior year saw his Buckeyes fall short of securing a spot in the College Football Playoff following a loss to Michigan. Nonetheless, Jack earned honorable mention All-Big Ten recognition from conference coaches after compiling 48 tackles, 6.5 sacks, and two passes defended.

Jack’s senior season would ultimately define his legacy, as the Buckeyes embarked on a playoff run that culminated in a national championship victory. His signature moment came in the title game against the Texas Longhorns. In the fourth quarter, with Texas threatening to score, Jack delivered a pivotal sack-fumble, which he returned 83 yards for a touchdown, extending the Buckeyes' lead. That play proved decisive, sealing the championship victory. Jack finished the season with career highs in sacks (9), tackles (59), passes defended (7), and forced fumbles (3). For his exceptional performance, he earned second-team All-Big Ten honors.

While Jack may lack elite quickness and explosiveness, he compensates with exceptional short-area strength, power, and relentless effort. He is not a conventional pass rusher, but upon closer analysis of his game film, it becomes evident why the Pittsburgh Steelers selected him—not merely for his abilities a run defender, but for his overall impact on the field.

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Neutralizing Run Blocks

One might assume that a defender lacking length would struggle to create sufficient separation to neutralize blocks. However, Jack defies this expectation by compensating for his lack of length with exceptional technique and natural lower-body strength. This past season, Sawyer recorded a run defense grade of 88.0, according to Pro Football Focus. Upon reviewing his performance on tape, it is evident that he earned this grade through consistent excellence.

In this example against Tennessee, Jack is positioned in a 7-technique stance, a signature of his tenure at Ohio State. One of his primary strengths as a pass rusher is his ability to convert speed into power, allowing him to overpower opposing offensive linemen. In this instance, he executes precisely that against the Tennessee offensive lineman when the ball is snapped. Simultaneously, Jack maintains a low pad level, effectively positioning himself beneath his opponent’s shoulder pads. Not only is the Tennessee lineman unable to move him, but Jack also drives him backward into the running back, effectively eliminating any opportunity for yardage gain.

Nick Herbig’s biggest weakness last season was his inability to set the edge and prevent running backs from gaining yards either inside or outside. Jack, however, is constructed very differently in this regard, which is one of the key reasons he was drafted.

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Underrated Pass Rush Moves

Jack may not possess the widest variety of pass rush moves and maneuvers, but the techniques he does employ are highly effective. The primary limitation in his pass rush is flexibility, a trait that varies among all pass rushers. That said, Jack has moments where he is able to surprise opposing offensive linemen with swift and efficient pass rush techniques.

In this clip against Akron, Jack is once again positioned in a 7-technique stance on the left side. When the ball is snapped, he explodes out of his stance and attacks the opposing lineman’s outside shoulder. Once fully committed to that direction, Jack swiftly spins the opposite way in a seamless motion, creating the separation needed to reach the quarterback. Though he narrowly misses the sack, his impact forces an incompletion.

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Elite-level Awareness

Jack’s overall football acumen is not discussed enough. His ability to adjust his game plan in real-time is a notable strength, frequently demonstrated when his initial pass rush attempt proves unsuccessful. Jack excels at adapting and finding alternative ways to influence the game.

A prime example of this adaptability is evident in a goal-line sequence against the Michigan Wolverines. Late in the fourth quarter, with the game tied, quarterback David Warren and his Wolverines have an opportunity to take the lead in this intense rivalry matchup. Positioned on the right, Jack has limited room to maneuver past the Wolverines’ left tackle. Rather than persisting with his pass rush, he carefully reads Warren’s movements as the quarterback drops back. Recognizing an open space near a Wolverines receiver running a crossing route, Jack quickly shifts his position and drops back into coverage. Upon review, Jack reacted so swiftly that Warren failed to recognize the presence of a defender in the open space. Moments later, Jack intercepted the pass, effectively ending the Wolverines’ drive.

While his toughness is widely acknowledged, his football intelligence is an equally crucial aspect of his game that deserves greater recognition.

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Jack epitomizes the prototypical Steelers linebacker—physical, rugged, athletic, and resourceful. Given the limited depth at the edge position behind Herbig, his addition provides precisely the reinforcement the defense required. While adjusting to the speed of the game may take time, once he acclimates, he has the potential to exceed expectations and prove even more valuable than anticipated.