The rookie class finally had a bounce back in terms of total offensive and defensive snaps after a multi-week decline. Even Kaleb Johnson got a handful of snaps after not playing in recent weeks. After a recent low of 56 snaps against the Packers, the rookie class played 75 total snaps (excluding special teams) against the Colts.
The three rookies who played the most each left their mark on the game as the Steelers shut down all-world RB Jonathan Taylor and created chaos for QB Daniel Jones in the backfield.
As always, I looked at every snap from the Steelers’ rookie class to analyze their performance and ultimately assign a grade.
Week 9 – Vs Indianapolis Colts
DT Derrick Harmon
Snaps: 33 on defense (42.3 percent), 9 on special teams
PFF Grades: 57.3 defense, 60.1 special teams
Derrick Harmon was only credited for two tackles and a fumble recovery, but his impact went beyond the box score. He definitely had a hand in limiting Taylor to a season low of 45 yards on 14 attempts.
Just look at Harmon use his 34 3/8-inch arm fully extended to stand up the offensive linemen and drive him back into the hole. It’s beautiful. If Harmon figures out how to consistently win with that much leverage, the NFL is in trouble.
He also had one total pressure on Jones. It wasn’t the flashiest or most productive game for Harmon. But it was also his fewest snaps played of the season, and he executed well on the Steelers’ primary focus of shutting down Taylor.
Week 9 Grade: B
2025 GPA: 2.9
RB Kaleb Johnson
Snaps: 5 on offense (0 percent), 0 on special teams
PFF Grade: 52.0 offense
Johnson only had one rushing attempt for four yards a catch for nine yards, but at least he was involved after multiple weeks of getting a helmet and not playing.
I can’t stress how important Johnson’s nine-yard catch was. He dropped the last pass thrown to him. He needs to show improvement on passing downs and this is a good start. One play at a time.
Week 9 Grade: C
2025 GPA: 1.28
OLB Jack Sawyer
Snaps: 20 on defense (3.1 percent), 21 on special teams
PFF Grades: 59.6 defense, 37.3 special teams
Sawyer saw a huge spike in his snaps after weeks of barely playing on defense. He had trouble disengaging from blocks and winning around the edge, but he did catch Payton Wilson’s deflected ball for an interception to help keep the Steelers in control of the game.
It was more Wilson’s play than anything, but Sawyer wouldn’t have been in position to capitalize unless he beat Tyler Warren’s block.
Week 9 Grade: C
2025 GPA: 2.38
DT Yahya Black
Snaps: 17 on defense (23.4 percent), 9 on special teams
PFF Grades: 39.7 defense, 59.9 special teams
Black’s role didn’t increase as expected with Daniel Ekuale now on IR, but that still may happen as the season progresses. Black didn’t register any stats in the box score on 17 snaps, but there are still some things to like in his play.
He does a great job of consistently getting his hands up in throwing lanes. It’s only a matter of time before he starts batting down some of these passes.
Otherwise, he is still doing a nice job of using his length and size to win at the point of attack. He also hustles to the ball in a way that would make Cam Heyward proud. The arrow is still pointing up.
Week 9 Grade: C
2025 GPA: 1.95
LB Carson Bruener
Snaps: 0 on defense (0 percent), 18 on special teams
PFF Grade: 45.7 special teams
Bruener finally had his first game without a special teams tackle, but it was a good day for the unit overall. Not much to report about from the 18 snaps he had, but he’s always hustling when he’s on the field.
Week 9 Grade: C
2025 GPA: 2.68
Check out previous report cards here:
Week 1: at Jets
Week 2: vs Seahawks
Week 3: at Patriots
Week 4: vs Vikings
Week 6: vs Browns
Week 7: at Bengals
Week 8: vs Packers
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