Will The Pittsburgh Steelers Draft A Quarterback? Examining The Evidence

Rajiv Sharma

5 min read

Post on May 22, 2025

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The Pittsburgh Steelers' quarterback situation is a hot topic leading up to the NFL Draft. With Ben Roethlisberger's retirement, and the current QB depth chart a source of considerable debate, the question on every Steeler fan's mind is: will the Steelers draft a quarterback? This article delves into the evidence to examine the possibilities.

The Steelers' Current Quarterback Situation

Analyzing the Roster

The Steelers currently have a mix of quarterbacks on their roster, each with varying levels of experience and potential. Let's examine their strengths and weaknesses:

• Kenny Pickett: Pickett started the majority of games in 2022. His stats showed improvement as the season progressed, but consistency remains a key area for growth. His deep ball accuracy needs work and his pocket presence sometimes falters under pressure.
• Mitch Trubisky: A veteran presence, Trubisky served as the starter early in 2022. While experienced, he didn't display the necessary improvement to push for the starting role. His future with the Steelers beyond this season is uncertain.
• Mason Rudolph: Rudolph has been with the team for several years but has only seen limited playing time. His performance hasn't indicated him as a long-term solution for the Steelers at quarterback.

Contract Situations: Pickett is on a rookie contract, while Trubisky and Rudolph are both in the final years of their deals or are free agents. This makes the quarterback position a high priority for the Steelers.

The Need for a Franchise Quarterback

The Steelers' long-term goals depend on securing a capable, franchise quarterback. Currently, the team's quarterback situation is uncertain, and none of the players on the roster guarantee long-term success.

• Long-Term Vision: The Steelers aim to contend for Super Bowls. A young, high-potential quarterback is a crucial piece in that puzzle.
• Draft Prospect Comparison: Comparing the current quarterbacks to the available draft prospects highlights a significant gap in potential and upside. The current quarterbacks lack the ceiling that top draft prospects possess.

Evaluating Potential Draft Prospects

Top Quarterback Prospects in the Draft

Several high-profile quarterback prospects are expected to be available in the upcoming NFL draft. Their performance, strengths, and weaknesses will significantly impact the Steelers' decision:

• C.J. Stroud (Ohio State): Known for his accuracy and arm strength, Stroud is often considered a top QB prospect. His college performance showcases excellent pocket presence, but NFL scouts will analyze his ability to adapt to NFL defenses. Key words: QB prospect ranking, C.J. Stroud scouting report.
• Bryce Young (Alabama): While smaller in stature, Young possesses exceptional mobility, arm talent, and a winning pedigree. His ability to overcome pressure and extend plays is a huge asset, but his size is a concern. Key words: Bryce Young scouting report, NFL draft prospects 2024.
• Anthony Richardson (Florida): Richardson is a physical specimen with a huge arm, but his accuracy and decision-making need improvement. He presents a high-risk, high-reward scenario for teams willing to invest time and coaching. Key words: Anthony Richardson NFL draft, QB prospect analysis.

Draft Position and Available Picks

The Steelers' draft position will be pivotal. If they hold onto their current pick, selecting a top quarterback prospect early in the draft will be crucial, unless they decide to trade up or down depending on how the draft unfolds.

• Trade Possibilities: Trading up would give them access to a higher-ranked QB, but it would require giving up valuable draft picks. Trading down could net them additional picks to bolster other roster positions.
• Later-Round Options: The Steelers could also target a quarterback in the later rounds, hoping to find a diamond in the rough who can develop into a starter. This strategy has worked in the past, and it mitigates the risk associated with early-round picks.

Historical Steelers Draft Trends

Past Quarterback Drafts

The Steelers have a mixed history with drafting quarterbacks. While some picks, like Ben Roethlisberger, have yielded Hall of Fame success, others have fallen short of expectations. Analyzing these past drafts can offer valuable insights.

• Successful Drafts: The Steelers' selection of Ben Roethlisberger is a prime example of drafting a future Hall of Famer.
• Unsuccessful Drafts: Other quarterbacks chosen by the team haven't panned out, highlighting the uncertainty involved in drafting a successful quarterback.

Front Office Decisions and Coaching Staff Influence

The Steelers' front office, led by General Manager Omar Khan, and the coaching staff, headed by Mike Tomlin, will play a significant role in the decision-making process. Their collective assessment of the available prospects and their long-term vision for the team will determine the strategy.

• Internal Dynamics: The alignment of the front office and coaching staff regarding the QB position is crucial. A unified vision will make the drafting process smoother.
• Public Statements: Analyzing press conferences and comments from key personnel can provide clues about the team's draft strategy.

Conclusion

Ultimately, whether the Pittsburgh Steelers draft a quarterback remains to be seen. The team's current quarterback situation is far from settled, with no clear long-term answer currently on the roster. The quality of available prospects in the draft significantly influences their decision. And finally, the team's historical draft patterns and the internal decision-making process within the organization will play a decisive role.

By examining the evidence presented – the roster’s current needs, the potential of available draft prospects, and the Steelers' historical draft trends – we can better understand the complex factors affecting this crucial decision. Stay tuned for more updates on the Pittsburgh Steelers and their quarterback situation leading up to the NFL Draft! Keep checking back for more analysis on the Steelers' quarterback draft prospects!