2025 NFL Draft: Kiper's Take On Rodgers And Its Impact On The Pittsburgh Steelers

Rajiv Sharma

6 min read

Post on May 22, 2025

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Mel Kiper Jr.'s Projected Scenarios for Aaron Rodgers in 2025

The uncertainty surrounding Aaron Rodgers' future significantly impacts the 2025 NFL Draft landscape. Several scenarios could unfold, each with different consequences for the Pittsburgh Steelers and their draft strategy.

Scenario 1: Rodgers Retires

• Impact on draft order: Rodgers' retirement could significantly alter the draft order, potentially boosting teams with weaker records into higher picking positions.
• QB prospects rise: With a top quarterback off the market, prospects like Caleb Williams (USC) and Drake Maye (UNC) could see their draft stock rise considerably.
• Steelers' strategy shift: If Rodgers retires, the Steelers' focus will likely shift away from the quarterback position, allowing them to address pressing needs on the offensive line or defense. They might prioritize a high-impact offensive tackle or a game-changing linebacker.

Rodgers' retirement would create a domino effect across the league. Teams anticipating a quarterback-rich draft might now seek to fill other positions, while others might aggressively pursue available quarterbacks via trade or free agency. This shifting landscape presents both opportunities and challenges for the Steelers in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Scenario 2: Rodgers Plays for a Contending Team (not the Steelers)

• Impact on contending teams' draft needs: If Rodgers signs with another contender, that team might focus on bolstering their roster in other areas, potentially leaving fewer top-tier players available in the draft.
• Limited high-profile QBs: With Rodgers still in the league, the number of high-profile quarterbacks available in the draft could decrease significantly.
• Steelers prioritizing other needs: The Steelers would likely double down on addressing their immediate needs, focusing on improving the offensive line, secondary, or linebacker corps. They might also explore trade scenarios to acquire additional draft picks to fill these gaps.

This scenario presents a more competitive landscape for the Steelers. Their strategy would likely revolve around securing high-value players at other positions, making shrewd trades, and identifying hidden gems in later draft rounds. The absence of a high-profile quarterback in the draft could force the Steelers to prioritize other areas of need.

Scenario 3: Rodgers Unexpectedly Joins the Pittsburgh Steelers

• Shockwaves across the league: This scenario, while improbable, would send shockwaves through the NFL. It would instantly make the Steelers Super Bowl contenders.
• Salary cap impact: Accommodating Rodgers' significant contract would significantly impact the Steelers' salary cap, limiting their ability to make other moves in free agency.
• Draft strategy shift: The Steelers' draft strategy would undergo a dramatic change, focusing on filling supporting roles around Rodgers. They might target high-upside offensive weapons or defensive players who perfectly complement Rodgers' strengths.

While highly unlikely given Rodgers' history and the Steelers' current quarterback situation, this scenario provides an interesting thought experiment. The challenges in managing Rodgers' contract and the accompanying shift in draft strategy would create a unique set of hurdles for the Steelers to overcome.

The Pittsburgh Steelers' Draft Needs Independent of Rodgers' Situation

Regardless of Rodgers' future, the Steelers have several pressing needs heading into the 2025 NFL Draft.

Offensive Line Needs

• Current weaknesses: The Steelers' offensive line has shown inconsistencies in pass protection and run blocking in recent seasons.
• Potential draft prospects: They'll likely target offensive tackles, guards, or centers with exceptional athleticism and pass-blocking skills. Players like [Insert potential 2025 offensive line prospects here] could be on their radar.
• Fit with the team: The Steelers will seek players who fit their zone-blocking scheme and can contribute immediately.

Addressing the offensive line is paramount for the Steelers' success. Their current roster lacks the consistency and dominance needed to protect their quarterback and open running lanes effectively.

Defensive Needs

• Defensive needs: The Steelers may need reinforcements at linebacker, cornerback, or defensive line, depending on player retention and free agency acquisitions.
• Potential draft prospects: Players with strong tackling skills, coverage abilities, and pass-rushing potential will be highly sought after.
• Defensive scheme fit: The Steelers will prioritize players who can adapt to their base 3-4 defensive scheme, demonstrating versatility and playmaking ability.

The Steelers’ defense, while showing flashes of brilliance, requires consistency and depth to become a truly dominant unit. Addressing these defensive needs through the draft is a crucial component of the team’s overall success.

Other Positional Needs

• Wide receiver: Depending on the performance of current receivers and free agency additions, the Steelers may look to add depth or a high-impact playmaker at wide receiver.
• Running back: The Steelers' running back situation will also be assessed, with potential needs arising based on existing roster performance and free agency moves.

The Steelers' front office will meticulously analyze the roster’s depth at all positions and strategically address those needs with calculated draft choices. This holistic approach ensures a well-rounded and balanced team heading into the 2025 season.

Kiper's Potential Draft Recommendations for the Steelers (Speculative)

Predicting Mel Kiper Jr.'s recommendations is speculative, but analyzing his past draft predictions offers insight.

Analyzing Kiper's Past Predictions

Kiper has a history of accurately predicting some Steelers' draft picks, while missing on others. Analyzing these past predictions provides context for forecasting his potential 2025 picks. His emphasis on positional value and scheme fit would be key factors in his analysis.

Projecting Kiper's 2025 Steelers Draft Picks

Based on the Steelers' needs and the potential impact of Rodgers' decision, Kiper might suggest: a high-value offensive tackle in the first round, a versatile linebacker in the second round, and a potential playmaking cornerback in a later round.

Reasoning Behind the Picks

The rationale behind these hypothetical picks centers on addressing immediate needs, adding high-upside talent, and improving the overall balance of the roster. These players would directly contribute to the team's success, regardless of the presence or absence of Aaron Rodgers.

Conclusion

The 2025 NFL Draft's outcome for the Pittsburgh Steelers is intricately linked to Aaron Rodgers' future. Mel Kiper Jr.'s analysis will be crucial in charting the Steelers' course. Whether Rodgers retires, joins another team, or surprisingly ends up in Pittsburgh, the Steelers will need a strategic draft approach to address key positional needs, including bolstering their offensive line and defense. Stay tuned for Kiper's expert predictions and continue following the evolving 2025 NFL Draft landscape for updates on how the Steelers will navigate this pivotal offseason. Keep reading for more analysis on the 2025 NFL Draft and the Pittsburgh Steelers!