Jack Sawyer - The Steelers Next Breakout Player
- Kelly Anozie
- 50 minutes ago
- 1 min read
In his rookie year, we got only a small sample of what linebacker Jack Sawyer can do, but it was enough to hint at real upside.
In limited playing time, Sawyer finished the 2025 season with 34 total tackles (16 solo), 1.0 sack, and four passes defensed — two of them interceptions — across 17 contests. While the raw numbers may not jump off the page, the former Buckeyes star showed glimpses of the playmaker he was at Ohio State and what he can become for the Steelers in the future.
Even in a rotational role, he displayed a rare blend of instincts and ball skills; two interceptions and four pass breakups from an edge linebacker is unusual production for a rookie with limited snaps. Those flashes matter because they reveal traits you can’t coach: diagnosing quickly, disrupting passing lanes, and finishing plays in space.
What strengthens his breakout case is how naturally his early production fits Pittsburgh’s defensive identity and developmental track record. The Steelers have a long history of turning high‑motor edge players into impact starters once they get a full offseason in the system (see: T.J. Watt). Sawyer already wins with effort, leverage, and awareness — the foundation traits that tend to explode with more snaps and responsibility.
With his size, athletic profile, and early playmaking résumé, he’s positioned to take a significant leap as his role expands, potentially becoming the next homegrown difference‑maker in a defense built on exactly that kind of growth.