Every pick has the chance to change a franchise. No matter the spot-first overall or Mr. Irrelevant-a player could flourish into a superstar.
This article highlights the biggest steal from each draft class in the AFC North (and the overall biggest steal of the division). Of course, there will be some honorable mentions at the end since it is not always definitive.
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Pittsburgh Steelers: Will Howard, QB, Ohio State (Round Six)
It is mind-boggling that Will Howard slipped to the sixth round.
The Steelers very well might have stolen their starting quarterback after teams drafted their second and third string.
Howard showed immense poise in the biggest moments this year for Ohio State. Most of his best games came against the best defenses in the country. Watching Howard command his team to a championship was awe-inspiring.
He can make all the throws Arthur Smith will ask of him, and Howard brings an excellent athletic floor for his size.
Expect the former Buckeye to be the starting quarterback in Pittsburgh.
Baltimore Ravens: Aeneas Peebles, DI, Virginia Tech (Round Six)
Peebles lacks the ideal size for a defensive tackle, but that did not stop him from terrorizing the best of the best in the country.
The gap penetrator has a coveted set of pass-rushing moves that, when combined with his short-area quickness, prove nearly impossible to stop. It is honestly shocking that Peebles fell this far.
Here is an excerpt from another one of the site’s articles on Peebles: “quick block shedding with short-area quickness and solid run defense…the makings of an absolute steal.”
For a sixth-round pick, the Virginia Tech product can work miracles. Eric DeCosta did it again.
Cleveland Browns: Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado (Round Five)
Yes, Sanders fell for far more than talent reasons.
His arrogance and ego certainly were turn-offs for many teams (potentially even the Browns). That being said, Sanders still provided, talent-wise, a top-three skillset in the class at quarterback.
Even with personal concerns, the floor for the Colorado product should have been the late-third round. Funnily enough, the Browns drafted Dillon Gabriel there, too.
It will be intriguing to see how the drama plays out, but the talent for the pick was amazing. Keep an eye out for Sanders starting sometime in 2025.
Cincinnati Bengals: Tahj Brooks, RB, Texas Tech (Round Six)
The Bengals have been patching their running back position since Mixon left.
Chase Brown is a very solid committee back, but he needs more help. Brooks absolutely could be a multi-year plug for that role.
The Texas Tech product is electric, especially for his size. Brooks’ acceleration and vision are unique to his frame. The Bengals now have a homerun-hitting threat and a one-cut bruising backfield to work with.
Not too shabby for a sixth-round pick.
Biggest Steal: Will Howard, QB, Steelers
This division really made it tough to choose a winner.
Call it favoritism, but the Steelers win the draw. Getting their starting (and potentially franchise) quarterback in the sixth round was incredible. Every interview shows how amazing he is as a locker room guy, especially his appreciation for Pittsburgh and the opportunity.
A few others dropped for personality or off-the-field issues, but Howard did not have those concerns. He was a true steal.
Honorable Mentions
There were lots of picks across most drafts that one would call ‘steals.’ Below are a few of the biggest for the AFC North that missed the top spot.
Baltimore Ravens: Mike Green, EDGE, Marshall
To be fair, Green slipped due to off-field issues. That being said, the reasoning for his falling (apparently) was because his explanations were not thorough enough to calm concerns with some organizations. Let’s give Green the benefit of the doubt in this situation for the time being. Getting a high-end athlete with crazy production is exactly what the Ravens needed this draft cycle.
Baltimore Ravens: LaJohntay Wester, WR, Colorado
Eric DeCosta rules the steals of the draft article (surprise, surprise). Wester was one of the day-three targets listed on the site. Here is an excerpt from that article: “The Colorado product provides explosiveness, reliability, and even stints of blocking ability at a compact frame.” While Wester may be small, he is worth giving snaps. Watch out for the Colorado product to make a splash.
