With a decision between Shedeur Sanders and Derrick Harmon with the No. 21 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers opted to bolster their run defense and hold off on a quarterback for the time being.
Pittsburgh’s current quarterback room consists of Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson, while Aaron Rodgers rumors continue to swirl. During “The Pat McAfee Show Draft Spectacular,” Ty Schmit roasted the Steelers’ QB strategy while in character as “Mad Mel Kiper.”
ESPN Draft Guru Takes Shot at Steelers QB Moves
The real Mel Kiper Jr. has not been shy about expressing his praise for the Colorado quarterback, as he has Sanders as his QB1 in this class.
“Mad Mel” is a recurring character on “The Pat McAfee Show,” and he made his feelings clear on the Steelers’ QB situation during the draft broadcast.
"The Steelers better pray that Aaron Rodgers shows up in Pittsburgh 😂😂
They can't go into the season with Mason Rudolph as their starting Quarterback" ~ Mad Mel Kiper #PMSDraftSpectacular pic.twitter.com/vqvgb4eyJ0
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow)
“If you’re a Steelers fan you better pray to God, you better pray to Aya (ayahuasca), you better pray to whoever the f*** you pray to that Aaron Rodgers shows up into town,” Mad Mel said.
“Listen, you can wax poetic, you can say whatever you want, if you go into next season with Mason Rudolph as your starting quarterback, the Steelers are absolutely f*****.”
With the Steelers passing on a QB in the first round, all eyes will be on Rodgers to see if he signs with Pittsburgh. After the rant from “Mad Mel,” legendary NFL head coach Mike McCarthy gave his input on the Steelers choosing defense over a signal-caller.
“Love it, trust your history,” McCarthy said. “It starts with defense in Pittsburgh, always will, always has. Things will work out there. I think it’s an excellent pick.”
The McAfee cast then asked “Mad Mel” what he sees as the worst-case scenario if they enter 2025 with Rudolph at the helm.
“Mason Rudolph; worst-case scenario is you go 3-14,” he said.
Pittsburgh has succeeded in the past with a less-than-ideal quarterback situation, which McAfee and the cast mention. “We went 9-8 with Duck [Devlin] Hodges and Mason a few years ago,” said Anthony DiGuilio.
Steelers’ Top QB Options After Round 1
Just two quarterbacks were selected in Round 1 of the NFL Draft (Cam Ward and Jaxson Dart). With a handful of Pittsburgh-linked QBs still on the draft board, the Steelers will likely not leave this draft without taking a new passer.
Regardless of whether Rodgers or Kirk Cousins come to the Steel City, Sanders, Jalen Milroe, and Tyler Shough, who have each been linked to Pittsburgh, remain available.
With no picks in the second round as it stands, could the Steelers trade up to guarantee their next QB, or will the black and gold wait until the 83rd overall pick and beyond to make their decision?
Mel kiper the weather man, has the best job ever, he about 20% right who good or not and gets paid for it. Now he won’t shut up the whole nite about sanders and these poor guys that are getting drafted no words about them, Deon must of paid him big bucks, ESPN was the worst coverage yesterday about the draft, and Crack head Mel was the worst
And this is why you can’t let IA write articles…
Oh my god lmao