*** 2025 Pittsburgh Steelers: Starting QB? TBD later (2 Viewers)

[steelers1080]

Have not seen any full rankings like I have in the past, but it sounds like Harmon or Grant in the first. They don't have a first round grade on any QB other than Ward. They like Shough, but maybe in the 4th, where he won't get to. Maybe Howard from OSU.

Watt will get his money.

Hoping this is right. Unless someone shocking falls to 21 I'd want Walter Nolen, Kenneth Grant, or Derrick Harmon. Lots of big boards have those 3 DL lower than 21st, though some have them in the top 15. Wonder if there's a chance to trade back and still get one.

Also, if Will Johnson falls to 21 that could be amazing value even if DL remains a big need.

 

[sm8680]

Derek Carr is injured not sure the severity. But it's obvious that the Saints aren't anxiously biting on AR. But don't be surprised if the Saints take Shedeur. So much misinformation is floating out there.

 

[5-ish Finkle]

Wonder if there's a chance to trade back and still get one.

Probably (mostly likely Grant, if I had to make a bet), though not very far.

Anything more than a veeery few picks likely takes Harmon out of the equation, for sure. He was already a really solid projection, and his stock has seemed to rise a touch post combine/etc.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

Final list of 30 visitors:

2025 Pittsburgh Steelers Pre-Draft Visit Tracker (Updating)

As we do every year, we’re keeping track of the NFL prospects the Pittsburgh Steelers host for visits ahead of this year’s draft. Teams are allotted up to 30 visitors plus local prospects who won’t count against that total. Pittsburgh consistently drafts a handful of names from each year’s list...

steelersdepot.com

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

Dane Brugler's Seven-Round Mock Draft Sees Steelers Select QB Of The Future

The Athletic’s NFL draft analyst Dane Brugler compiled his lone seven-round mock draft of the pre-draft cycle with the 2025 NFL Draft just over a week away. With smoke that Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders could fall in the draft, Brugler has him sliding, with his fall ending with the Steelers at No...

steelersdepot.com

Not a bad mock by the Athletic. Not sure they will take Sanders at 21 or not, but certainly plausible.

 

[5-ish Finkle]

Dane Brugler's Seven-Round Mock Draft Sees Steelers Select QB Of The Future

The Athletic’s NFL draft analyst Dane Brugler compiled his lone seven-round mock draft of the pre-draft cycle with the 2025 NFL Draft just over a week away. With smoke that Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders could fall in the draft, Brugler has him sliding, with his fall ending with the Steelers at No...

steelersdepot.com

Not a bad mock by the Athletic. Not sure they will take Sanders at 21 or not, but certainly plausible.

I like both the DL he targeted, just not sure they could wait that long if they expected to get both of them. Both seemed to be rising since Combine cycle started. He seems to be casting the kid from SMU as an Edge guy, but all I'm seeing from scouts is "he's a 3-4 DE." (Which is fine, IMO, because they're thin/aging there.)

Not enamored with Sampson, but would have to see what RBs were passed over at the spot.

I don't want any part of Sanders, honestly, but Omar is a "value"/analytics guy first and foremost. If Sander tumbled to 21, and he was top 10-12 on their big board overall, I can't imagine he'd be able to pass him up if Tomlin had any sort of shine for him at all.

 

[menobrown]

Dane Brugler's Seven-Round Mock Draft Sees Steelers Select QB Of The Future

The Athletic’s NFL draft analyst Dane Brugler compiled his lone seven-round mock draft of the pre-draft cycle with the 2025 NFL Draft just over a week away. With smoke that Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders could fall in the draft, Brugler has him sliding, with his fall ending with the Steelers at No...

steelersdepot.com

Not a bad mock by the Athletic. Not sure they will take Sanders at 21 or not, but certainly plausible.

Have not looked at this mock yet but regarding Sanders. Listened to some McShay podcast last night(he's not one of my favorites but ran out of stuff to listen to) but in this case I shared his opinion that if Sanders did not go 1.3, the only thing stopping him from being the Steelers pick at 21 is is a team trades back up in front of us.

This is exactly what I was thinking, and only reason I won't say "no way" to 1.3 was what I saw go down with Penix last year so sure looks like they'll leave us Sanders unless someone trades up is how I see it.

How Rodgers impacts that decision is interesting. If he agrees to join the team before the draft would they still take Sanders? On the flip side if Rodgers does not agree before the draft and they take Sanders one or both parties might close that door.

So I'll ask, and please no "Other" option, these are the choices, which would you prefer:

A. Sign Rodgers, pass on Sanders if available at 21 for a win now player on line or CB at worst.

B. Draft Sanders at 21, tell Rodgers to kick rocks

C. Sign Rodgers and draft Sanders.


I'd prefer A myself.

 

[5-ish Finkle]

A. Mostly because I am not a believer in Sanders as a viable long-term answer.

 

[steelcityman]

D. Dont sign Rodgers, draft DL at 21. Play it out with Rudolph and/or someone they draft on day 2 or 3. Pray they get a QB next year.

 

[Drunken Cowboy]

Th

D. Dont sign Rodgers, draft DL at 21. Play it out with Rudolph and/or someone they draft on day 2 or 3. Pray they get a QB next year.

Is only makes sense if you go full rebuild and that is clearly a no go with Art.

 

[steelcityman]

I dont see much difference b/w Rodgers and Rudolph, except about $20-25M.

 

[RandyDB]

B - because I am not a fan of Sanders or Rodgers.

 

[Grid71]

Dane Brugler's Seven-Round Mock Draft Sees Steelers Select QB Of The Future

The Athletic’s NFL draft analyst Dane Brugler compiled his lone seven-round mock draft of the pre-draft cycle with the 2025 NFL Draft just over a week away. With smoke that Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders could fall in the draft, Brugler has him sliding, with his fall ending with the Steelers at No...

steelersdepot.com

Not a bad mock by the Athletic. Not sure they will take Sanders at 21 or not, but certainly plausible.

Have not looked at this mock yet but regarding Sanders. Listened to some McShay podcast last night(he's not one of my favorites but ran out of stuff to listen to) but in this case I shared his opinion that if Sanders did not go 1.3, the only thing stopping him from being the Steelers pick at 21 is is a team trades back up in front of us.

This is exactly what I was thinking, and only reason I won't say "no way" to 1.3 was what I saw go down with Penix last year so sure looks like they'll leave us Sanders unless someone trades up is how I see it.

How Rodgers impacts that decision is interesting. If he agrees to join the team before the draft would they still take Sanders? On the flip side if Rodgers does not agree before the draft and they take Sanders one or both parties might close that door.

So I'll ask, and please no "Other" option, these are the choices, which would you prefer:

A. Sign Rodgers, pass on Sanders if available at 21 for a win now player on line or CB at worst.

B. Draft Sanders at 21, tell Rodgers to kick rocks

C. Sign Rodgers and draft Sanders.


I'd prefer A myself.

From that list, my pick is A because any scenario where Sanders is selected virtually guarantees missing out on the 2026 QB class even if the team collapses.

Build up the defensive line with talented youth. Need a wrecking crew up front.

 

[3C's]

Listened to some McShay podcast last night(he's not one of my favorites but ran out of stuff to listen to) but in this case I shared his opinion that if Sanders did not go 1.3, the only thing stopping him from being the Steelers pick at 21 is is a team trades back up in front of us.

Saints at 9 is a possibility.

 

[steelcityman]

Its that time of year, NFL network saying Milroe should consider being a RB, then CBS sports saying Milroe has all the ability to make all the throws and be an elite QB. Then one show says Sanders going two to Clev, the other says he could slip to Steelers at 21, but NOLA makes the most sense at 9.
I think the one thing we know, all the media talking heads and their smartphones know as much as your local Starbucks barista.

 

[menobrown]

Listened to some McShay podcast last night(he's not one of my favorites but ran out of stuff to listen to) but in this case I shared his opinion that if Sanders did not go 1.3, the only thing stopping him from being the Steelers pick at 21 is is a team trades back up in front of us.

Saints at 9 is a possibility.

I don’t think he’s their guy.

 

[BassNBrew]

Dane Brugler's Seven-Round Mock Draft Sees Steelers Select QB Of The Future

The Athletic’s NFL draft analyst Dane Brugler compiled his lone seven-round mock draft of the pre-draft cycle with the 2025 NFL Draft just over a week away. With smoke that Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders could fall in the draft, Brugler has him sliding, with his fall ending with the Steelers at No...

steelersdepot.com

Not a bad mock by the Athletic. Not sure they will take Sanders at 21 or not, but certainly plausible.

Have not looked at this mock yet but regarding Sanders. Listened to some McShay podcast last night(he's not one of my favorites but ran out of stuff to listen to) but in this case I shared his opinion that if Sanders did not go 1.3, the only thing stopping him from being the Steelers pick at 21 is is a team trades back up in front of us.

This is exactly what I was thinking, and only reason I won't say "no way" to 1.3 was what I saw go down with Penix last year so sure looks like they'll leave us Sanders unless someone trades up is how I see it.

How Rodgers impacts that decision is interesting. If he agrees to join the team before the draft would they still take Sanders? On the flip side if Rodgers does not agree before the draft and they take Sanders one or both parties might close that door.

So I'll ask, and please no "Other" option, these are the choices, which would you prefer:

A. Sign Rodgers, pass on Sanders if available at 21 for a win now player on line or CB at worst.

B. Draft Sanders at 21, tell Rodgers to kick rocks

C. Sign Rodgers and draft Sanders.


I'd prefer A myself.

B - Because Rodgers kicking rocks is a great outcome.

 

[King of the Jungle]

I think there is a possibility that Milroe goes before Sanders.

 

[3C's]

Listened to some McShay podcast last night(he's not one of my favorites but ran out of stuff to listen to) but in this case I shared his opinion that if Sanders did not go 1.3, the only thing stopping him from being the Steelers pick at 21 is is a team trades back up in front of us.

Saints at 9 is a possibility.

I don’t think he’s their guy.

Prime might disagree. https://x.com/DeionSanders/status/1910831237788217792

 

[menobrown]

Listened to some McShay podcast last night(he's not one of my favorites but ran out of stuff to listen to) but in this case I shared his opinion that if Sanders did not go 1.3, the only thing stopping him from being the Steelers pick at 21 is is a team trades back up in front of us.

Saints at 9 is a possibility.

I don’t think he’s their guy.

Prime might disagree. https://x.com/DeionSanders/status/1910831237788217792

Well of course and Riddick has not been bashful about doing his bidding for him.

 

[steelers1080]

Florio finally came around to "signing Rodgers may not be a great idea for the Steelers." No **** Sherlock.

 

[steelers1080]

Mock drafts aren't healthy. Just did one through one of the top mock draft sites where I traded back for two 2nds this year and 1 next year, and still got Grant at pick 54.

 

[timschochet]

Draft Shedeur. Give him a shot, if he fails draft another QB next year. Keep drafting QBs in the first round until we hit one.

We will not win a SB without a franchise QB. End of story. Aaron Rodgers is no longer that. Even if Rodgers is at the top of his game, leads the Steelers to 12-4 and a playoff win, if they don’t win the SB it’s ultimately a wasted season. So it doesn’t really matter. Roll the dice and grab the best QB you can which is probably Sanders. If it fails rinse and repeat.

 

[timschochet]

Would love to hear from Steeler fans here https://forums.footballguys.com/thr...have-been-fired-at-end-of-2024-season.816004/

It’s become an irrelevant question.

I know there are a lot of folks here who want Tomlin gone. I’m not one of them, I think he he’s been a great coach and I would keep him around. But it really doesn’t matter. Keep him, dump him, the Steelers won’t win in the playoffs until they get a franchise quarterback.

 

[cdclopper]

Didn't the Steelers just draft a poor armed quarterback who holds onto the ball too long without pocket awareness?

 

[The Future Champs]

Didn't the Steelers just draft a poor armed quarterback who holds onto the ball too long without pocket awareness?

Yes, but this time it’ll be different.
-sports fans everywhere

 

[Steelers4Life]

Would love to hear from Steeler fans here https://forums.footballguys.com/thr...have-been-fired-at-end-of-2024-season.816004/

It’s become an irrelevant question.

I know there are a lot of folks here who want Tomlin gone. I’m not one of them, I think he he’s been a great coach and I would keep him around. But it really doesn’t matter. Keep him, dump him, the Steelers won’t win in the playoffs until they get a franchise quarterback.

In Ben's last 11 seasons (2011 through 2021), the Steelers won a playoff game in only 2 of those seasons. They beat 3 backup QBs in 2015 and 2016, and it's not like they were losing to Brady or Manning most years either.

Throw out 2019 when Ben was hurt. You can even throw out 2021 when he clearly had lost his fastball. 2 out of 9 seasons with a playoff win with the talent the Steelers had and losing the WAY they did was reflective of the coaching and a lack of discipline.

The narrative that Tomlin started struggling when Ben retired has to end. A top QB isn't enough to make a Tomlin team a contender. That QB is going to need a great situation everywhere else too, so I hope they build up the lines before worrying about a QB.

 

[timschochet]

Would love to hear from Steeler fans here https://forums.footballguys.com/thr...have-been-fired-at-end-of-2024-season.816004/

It’s become an irrelevant question.

I know there are a lot of folks here who want Tomlin gone. I’m not one of them, I think he he’s been a great coach and I would keep him around. But it really doesn’t matter. Keep him, dump him, the Steelers won’t win in the playoffs until they get a franchise quarterback.

In Ben's last 11 seasons (2011 through 2021), the Steelers won a Super Bowl in only 2 of those seasons. They beat 3 backup QBs in 2015 and 2016, and it's not like they were losing to Brady or Manning most years either.

Throw out 2019 when Ben was hurt. You can even throw out 2021 when he clearly had lost his fastball. 2 out of 9 seasons with a playoff win with the talent the Steelers had and losing the WAY they did was reflective of the coaching and a lack of discipline.

The narrative that Tomlin started struggling when Ben retired has to end. A top QB isn't enough to make a Tomlin team a contender. That QB is going to need a great situation everywhere else too, so I hope they build up the lines before worrying about a QB.

I’m not going to get into a debate about Tomlin even though I disagree with you because as I say I don’t think it matters.

As far as building up the lines first, my whole argument is that the NFL has changed. What you’re describing used to be the formula for success but it isn’t anymore. Nowadays nothing matters except for the elite quarterback. You have to get that first, and you have to keep trying to get that until you do. Then you can build up everything else. If you have the elite quarterback you’re in the conversation for a championship no matter how the rest of your team looks. If you don’t have it you’re not in the conversation.

 

[sm8680]

People still have their head in the sand when it comes to MT. Even when presented with facts.

 

[Pip's Invitation]

Would love to hear from Steeler fans here https://forums.footballguys.com/thr...have-been-fired-at-end-of-2024-season.816004/

It’s become an irrelevant question.

I know there are a lot of folks here who want Tomlin gone. I’m not one of them, I think he he’s been a great coach and I would keep him around. But it really doesn’t matter. Keep him, dump him, the Steelers won’t win in the playoffs until they get a franchise quarterback.

In Ben's last 11 seasons (2011 through 2021), the Steelers won a Super Bowl in only 2 of those seasons. They beat 3 backup QBs in 2015 and 2016, and it's not like they were losing to Brady or Manning most years either.

Throw out 2019 when Ben was hurt. You can even throw out 2021 when he clearly had lost his fastball. 2 out of 9 seasons with a playoff win with the talent the Steelers had and losing the WAY they did was reflective of the coaching and a lack of discipline.

The narrative that Tomlin started struggling when Ben retired has to end. A top QB isn't enough to make a Tomlin team a contender. That QB is going to need a great situation everywhere else too, so I hope they build up the lines before worrying about a QB.

I’m not going to get into a debate about Tomlin even though I disagree with you because as I say I don’t think it matters.

As far as building up the lines first, my whole argument is that the NFL has changed. What you’re describing used to be the formula for success but it isn’t anymore. Nowadays nothing matters except for the elite quarterback. You have to get that first, and you have to keep trying to get that until you do. Then you can build up everything else. If you have the elite quarterback you’re in the conversation for a championship no matter how the rest of your team looks. If you don’t have it you’re not in the conversation.

The Eagles won a title with the “old formula” this year.

 

[timschochet]

Would love to hear from Steeler fans here https://forums.footballguys.com/thr...have-been-fired-at-end-of-2024-season.816004/

It’s become an irrelevant question.

I know there are a lot of folks here who want Tomlin gone. I’m not one of them, I think he he’s been a great coach and I would keep him around. But it really doesn’t matter. Keep him, dump him, the Steelers won’t win in the playoffs until they get a franchise quarterback.

In Ben's last 11 seasons (2011 through 2021), the Steelers won a Super Bowl in only 2 of those seasons. They beat 3 backup QBs in 2015 and 2016, and it's not like they were losing to Brady or Manning most years either.

Throw out 2019 when Ben was hurt. You can even throw out 2021 when he clearly had lost his fastball. 2 out of 9 seasons with a playoff win with the talent the Steelers had and losing the WAY they did was reflective of the coaching and a lack of discipline.

The narrative that Tomlin started struggling when Ben retired has to end. A top QB isn't enough to make a Tomlin team a contender. That QB is going to need a great situation everywhere else too, so I hope they build up the lines before worrying about a QB.

I’m not going to get into a debate about Tomlin even though I disagree with you because as I say I don’t think it matters.

As far as building up the lines first, my whole argument is that the NFL has changed. What you’re describing used to be the formula for success but it isn’t anymore. Nowadays nothing matters except for the elite quarterback. You have to get that first, and you have to keep trying to get that until you do. Then you can build up everything else. If you have the elite quarterback you’re in the conversation for a championship no matter how the rest of your team looks. If you don’t have it you’re not in the conversation.

The Eagles won a title with the “old formula” this year.

I happen to think their QB is elite.

 

[Joe Bryant]

Would love to hear from Steeler fans here https://forums.footballguys.com/thr...have-been-fired-at-end-of-2024-season.816004/

It’s become an irrelevant question.

I know there are a lot of folks here who want Tomlin gone. I’m not one of them, I think he he’s been a great coach and I would keep him around. But it really doesn’t matter. Keep him, dump him, the Steelers won’t win in the playoffs until they get a franchise quarterback.

In Ben's last 11 seasons (2011 through 2021), the Steelers won a Super Bowl in only 2 of those seasons. They beat 3 backup QBs in 2015 and 2016, and it's not like they were losing to Brady or Manning most years either.

Throw out 2019 when Ben was hurt. You can even throw out 2021 when he clearly had lost his fastball. 2 out of 9 seasons with a playoff win with the talent the Steelers had and losing the WAY they did was reflective of the coaching and a lack of discipline.

The narrative that Tomlin started struggling when Ben retired has to end. A top QB isn't enough to make a Tomlin team a contender. That QB is going to need a great situation everywhere else too, so I hope they build up the lines before worrying about a QB.

I’m not going to get into a debate about Tomlin even though I disagree with you because as I say I don’t think it matters.

As far as building up the lines first, my whole argument is that the NFL has changed. What you’re describing used to be the formula for success but it isn’t anymore. Nowadays nothing matters except for the elite quarterback. You have to get that first, and you have to keep trying to get that until you do. Then you can build up everything else. If you have the elite quarterback you’re in the conversation for a championship no matter how the rest of your team looks. If you don’t have it you’re not in the conversation.

The Eagles won a title with the “old formula” this year.

I happen to think their QB is elite.

Where do you rank him in a list of current NFL QBs?

 

[3C's]

People still have their head in the sand when it comes to MT. Even when presented with facts.

It's not that he can't coach. His message has gotten stale, and he's not good at hiring assistants. A fresh perspective (HC) would be good for both Tomlin and the Steelers.

 

[cdclopper]

People still have their head in the sand when it comes to MT. Even when presented with facts.

It's not that he can't coach. His message has gotten stale, and he's not good at hiring assistants. A fresh perspective (HC) would be good for both Tomlin and the Steelers.

Its not the only thing that has gotten stale.

 

[steelcityman]

Yesterday, at dinner, we were discussing the Steelers QB situation, and everyone had their own way to fix the issue, Rodgers, Dart, Sanders, Milroe, Shough, Rudolph. I think this week will be obnoxious, esp in Pittsburgh, with everyone wanting their own QB, but the underlying part is mostly everyone wants DL in rd 1. No one cares about RB, or OL, even though their current RB1 is more like a RB2/3. Its just all QB all the time.

 

[steelers1080]

The last thing I heard from a source I kind of trust is that the plan is to go all-in on QB next year. Who knows if that's true, but if it is, then I think a trade back in the 1st is possible if the opportunity presents itself. I'm hoping very hard for no QB in the 1st, and would be much happier with a QB 4th or later, that's a fine spot to take a backup QB.

 

[steelers1080]

The last thing I heard from a source I kind of trust is that the plan is to go all-in on QB next year. Who knows if that's true, but if it is, then I think a trade back in the 1st is possible if the opportunity presents itself. I'm hoping very hard for no QB in the 1st, and would be much happier with a QB 4th or later, that's a fine spot to take a backup QB.

Just saw that Schefter is reporting a handful of teams trying to trade down. I think it'll be difficult to find a partner willing to give up anything of value if there's this much effort to trade down.

 

[fred_1_15301]

The Steelers need an elite QB to do any damage in the playoffs but just drafting one high every year seems illogical. Once you draft a QB high, it seems that you need to give him at least 3 years to see if he can develop into a stud. You also need to build a strong team around him. Those high draft picks are critical to hit on. Can’t just keep going QB every year.

 

[menobrown]

The last thing I heard from a source I kind of trust is that the plan is to go all-in on QB next year. Who knows if that's true, but if it is, then I think a trade back in the 1st is possible if the opportunity presents itself. I'm hoping very hard for no QB in the 1st, and would be much happier with a QB 4th or later, that's a fine spot to take a backup QB.

Just saw that Schefter is reporting a handful of teams trying to trade down. I think it'll be difficult to find a partner willing to give up anything of value if there's this much effort to trade down.

Somewhat ironically, considering our current QB depth chart is arguably the worst in the league, the best chance IMO for a trade back is for a QB needy team especially if Sanders and Dart are still on the board. Which would of course mean the Giants, Browns and Saints among others passed on a QB and remain in need.

Can we really pass on those two if we don't have a firm commitment from Rodgers or something like a trade for Cousins in place? That's probably my biggest thought/question right now.

Was reading an article from Dulac , I think, yesterday which said the Steelers had a first round grade on Dart. But later in that article it described Sanders as "uber athletic" and I seriously immediately quit reading it at that point and made me question the previous Dart comment as whoever wrote it had no clue.

 

[5-ish Finkle]

The last thing I heard from a source I kind of trust is that the plan is to go all-in on QB next year. Who knows if that's true, but if it is, then I think a trade back in the 1st is possible if the opportunity presents itself. I'm hoping very hard for no QB in the 1st, and would be much happier with a QB 4th or later, that's a fine spot to take a backup QB.

Just saw that Schefter is reporting a handful of teams trying to trade down. I think it'll be difficult to find a partner willing to give up anything of value if there's this much effort to trade down.

Somewhat ironically, considering our current QB depth chart is arguably the worst in the league, the best chance IMO for a trade back is for a QB needy team especially if Sanders and Dart are still on the board. Which would of course mean the Giants, Browns and Saints among others passed on a QB and remain in need.

Can we really pass on those two if we don't have a firm commitment from Rodgers or something like a trade for Cousins in place? That's probably my biggest thought/question right now.

Was reading an article from Dulac , I think, yesterday which said the Steelers had a first round grade on Dart. But later in that article it described Sanders as "uber athletic" and I seriously immediately quit reading it at that point and made me question the previous Dart comment as whoever wrote it had no clue.

Dulac is, for all intents and purposes, a mouthpiece for the the team/Art II in particular. He will report whatever they wish for him to report.

Remember the "There is absolutely zero/none chance they'll draft Kenny Pickett in the first, and adore Malik Willis" stuff? That was our man Jerry. Plus, we are dead in the middle of The Season of Lies. Anything under his byline needs to have a massive "*" next to it. Maybe a couple. Wonder if Jerry's seen a single game of Sheduer Sanders' college career?


I wouldn't hate them trading down in the scenario you describe at all. I don't think any of these "day one or day two" QBs are going to amount to much in this crop. I get the "if you don't have a QB you need to find a QB" mentality....but there's finding a QB and then there's throwing good money after bad. Any of these guys feel like the latter. Burning 4-out-of-5 years' worth of first rounders on the Kenny Picketts of the world isn't the answer either.

 

[Cookiemonster]

Wasn’t the 21st supposed to be the team’s deadline for Rodgers to sign? Wonder if he managed to pee clean by now.

 

[timschochet]

The Steelers need an elite QB to do any damage in the playoffs but just drafting one high every year seems illogical. Once you draft a QB high, it seems that you need to give him at least 3 years to see if he can develop into a stud. You also need to build a strong team around him. Those high draft picks are critical to hit on. Can’t just keep going QB every year.

The 3 year thing is the old days, IMO. Today’s game you stick him in year 1 and in most cases you know pretty quickly.

 

[timschochet]

Would love to hear from Steeler fans here https://forums.footballguys.com/thr...have-been-fired-at-end-of-2024-season.816004/

It’s become an irrelevant question.

I know there are a lot of folks here who want Tomlin gone. I’m not one of them, I think he he’s been a great coach and I would keep him around. But it really doesn’t matter. Keep him, dump him, the Steelers won’t win in the playoffs until they get a franchise quarterback.

In Ben's last 11 seasons (2011 through 2021), the Steelers won a Super Bowl in only 2 of those seasons. They beat 3 backup QBs in 2015 and 2016, and it's not like they were losing to Brady or Manning most years either.

Throw out 2019 when Ben was hurt. You can even throw out 2021 when he clearly had lost his fastball. 2 out of 9 seasons with a playoff win with the talent the Steelers had and losing the WAY they did was reflective of the coaching and a lack of discipline.

The narrative that Tomlin started struggling when Ben retired has to end. A top QB isn't enough to make a Tomlin team a contender. That QB is going to need a great situation everywhere else too, so I hope they build up the lines before worrying about a QB.

I’m not going to get into a debate about Tomlin even though I disagree with you because as I say I don’t think it matters.

As far as building up the lines first, my whole argument is that the NFL has changed. What you’re describing used to be the formula for success but it isn’t anymore. Nowadays nothing matters except for the elite quarterback. You have to get that first, and you have to keep trying to get that until you do. Then you can build up everything else. If you have the elite quarterback you’re in the conversation for a championship no matter how the rest of your team looks. If you don’t have it you’re not in the conversation.

The Eagles won a title with the “old formula” this year.

I happen to think their QB is elite.

Where do you rank him in a list of current NFL QBs?

Just below Mahomes, Allen, and Hebert. In the second tier of elite along with Lamar.

 

[Godsbrother]

My Steelers mock assuming no trades:

• Round 1 (21st overall): DT Derrick Harmon (Oregon)

• Round 3 (83rd overall): RB Kaleb Johnson (Iowa)
• Round 4 (123rd overall): G Miles Frazier, LSU
• Round 5 (156th overall): QB Will Howard (Ohio State)
• Round 6 (185th overall): CB Justin Walley (Minnesota)
• Round 7 (229th overall): S Jaylen Reed (Iowa)

My opinion on the QB situation is that we should just roll with Rudolph as starter and Skylar Thompson as his backup and draft a QB in the fourth round or later. If the Steelers somehow manage to be successful with this group, then great. If not, it will only help secure a higher position to draft a franchise quarterback in the 2026 draft .

I acknowledge that Rodgers would give the Steelers a better chance at winning games this season but he wouldn’t be enough to make a serious run and he will likely come at a high price and has tons of baggage.

 

[steelers1080]

My Steelers mock assuming no trades:

• Round 1 (21st overall): DT Derrick Harmon (Oregon)
• Round 3 (83rd overall): RB Kaleb Johnson (Iowa)
• Round 4 (123rd overall): G Miles Frazier, LSU
• Round 5 (156th overall): QB Will Howard (Ohio State)
• Round 6 (185th overall): CB Justin Walley (Minnesota)
• Round 7 (229th overall): S Jaylen Reed (Iowa)

My opinion on the QB situation is that we should just roll with Rudolph as starter and Skylar Thompson as his backup and draft a QB in the fourth round or later. If the Steelers somehow manage to be successful with this group, then great. If not, it will only help secure a higher position to draft a franchise quarterback in the 2026 draft .

I acknowledge that Rodgers would give the Steelers a better chance at winning games this season but he wouldn’t be enough to make a serious run and he will likely come at a high price and has tons of baggage.

Solid mock, I think that DL should def be the pick in the 1st unless a shocking player falls to 21 like Will Johnson. I do think the pick will be Grant because Harmon will be gone and they'll take Grant over Nolen.
I think Howard would have to be the pick in the 4th to get him, I'm not sure he lasts until 156.
Also, solid positions. Drafting a G to replace Seumalo next year makes sense, and to be a solid backup at both G positions.

 

[Football Jones]

Derek Carr is injured not sure the severity. But it's obvious that the Saints aren't anxiously biting on AR. But don't be surprised if the Saints take Shedeur. So much misinformation is floating out there.

I don’t know how plugged in Todd McShay is, but he swears the Saints aren’t taking a QB at 9 and wouldn’t even take Sanders at 40.

With Pittsburgh supposedly not in love with any of the QBs, is it possible we get out of the 1st with Ward as the only QB?

 

[Football Jones]

It seems to me without a 2nd, the Steelers might look at trading back, gain assets, then grab the top QB on their board.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

Apparently today is when they do a full internal mock draft and finalize their board basically. In past years I have seen some of this and it was a predictor of their first several picks and late round targets, though I didn't see it last year other than hearing they were taking Logan Lee at some point.

What I hear right now is they want Harmon or Grant and are hoping to trade back and still get one of them while getting back into the 2nd round or an earlier pick in the 3rd (but so far not much interest in their pick from other teams). I think if they get a QB it's going to be Howard, Shough, with outside shot of Milroe -- but not in the 1st. Could all be false info though after the Rodgers visit leak . . . .

 

[QuizGuy66]

Prediction: Rodgers signs a one-day contract and retires with the Steelers as he has always want to

-QG

 

[menobrown]

Read so much stuff yesterday I can't remember were I read it all but two different people said Harmon had a medical red flag issue. Allbright was one of them, can't remember the other person. That's some teams doctors probably, not all of them see it the same.

Can't remember the media source, was solid though(I think Breer but not sure), or exact wording so I'm paraphrasing but wording went along of not exactly excitement in the building to draft Sanders but growing acceptance.