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Former Steeler Says Jack Sawyer Needs a Bigger Pass-Rush Arsenal in Year 2
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- Former Steeler Says Jack Sawyer Needs a Bigger Pass-Rush Arsenal in Year 2
Pittsburgh Steelers EDGE defender Jack Sawyer showed flashes during his rookie campaign in 2025 . He recorded 15 pressures, five quarterback hits, 11 run stuffs, including three tackles for loss, one sack, and two interceptions. While the production provided reason for optimism, his overall performance still left room for improvement. He is in a good position to build upon those skills being in a loaded outside linebacker room. One former Super Bowl champion for the Steelers identified where Sawyer can grow. After all, he played with legends like James Harrison and Joey Porter Sr.
Willie Colon was on In The Locker Room on Steelers Nation Radio this week . He believes the biggest area of development for Sawyer will come as a pass rusher. He pointed to the variety of moves other Steelers pass rushers have developed and believes Sawyer needs to build a similar repertoire.
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"What I would say with him, he needs more of an arsenal. I think when you look at Nick [Herbig], you look at T.J. [Watt], you look at Alex [Highsmith], when they're presented with those pass rush opportunities, when they can go get the quarterback, man, they can attack you in a myriad of ways … He's going to have to go to pass rush school. There's so much untapped potential with him, I think he can really explode in the next year or two." Willie Colon said.
Sawyer can build off strong rookie season
Aug 27, 2026; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Jack Sawyer (33) tackles Buffalo Bills running back Frank Gore Jr. (20) during the second half at New Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images
According to Pro Football Focus , Sawyer finished his rookie season with a 59.7 pass-rush grade and a 60.5 run-defense grade. Those grades and recorded statistics suggest a young player who demonstrated potential. However, they also say Sawyer has plenty of room to grow as he becomes more comfortable and develops his game at the NFL level.
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A simple comparison to Nick Herbig , T.J. Watt, and Alex Highsmith 's grades and production highlight what Sawyer still needs to develop. The Steelers have several pass rushers who can win in different ways, whether through power, speed, counters, or technical refinement. Adding more tools to his repertoire could make Sawyer far more difficult for opposing offensive linemen to handle.
Critical season of growth ahead
Sep 14, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Jack Sawyer (33) sacks Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Imagesreuters.com,2025:newsml_MT1USATODAY27084382:1915903424
That development will be particularly important as Sawyer enters his second season . He has already shown he can make splash plays, but becoming a more consistent threat in the backfield could take his game to another level.
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Sawyer does not need to completely reinvent himself. Instead, he needs to build on the flashes he showed as a rookie and find ways to turn those moments into consistent production. New Steelers defensive coordinator Patrick Graham has a history of elevating pass rushers' games . Perhaps Sawyer could benefit from that as he continues to grow his skill sets.
Colon sees the potential for a significant leap over the next couple of seasons. If Sawyer can expand his pass-rush arsenal and continue being stout against the run, he could begin turning that untapped potential into the type of impact the Steelers envisioned when they drafted him.
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Sep 3, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
