The Pittsburgh Steelers are still without a clear starting quarterback. As they wait on a decision from Aaron Rodgers, they also need to look ahead to the NFL Draft to address their long-term plans for the position. The Steelers have been linked to several quarterbacks during this draft cycle, including Shedeur Sanders and Jaxson Dart.
One bold prediction has Pittsburgh passing on Sanders, Dart, and others in favor of a quarterback outside the early rounds.
A Bold Prediction for the Pittsburgh Steelers
PFSN’s Reese Decker boldly predicts the Steelers will skip Sanders and Dart and instead wait a few rounds to select Ohio State quarterback Will Howard.
“As of now, Aaron Rodgers hasn’t signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Even if he doesn’t, the Steelers might pass on a QB in Round 1 and instead wait for Will Howard, the reigning national champion out of Ohio State, potentially in Round 3.
“Howard brings the character and championship DNA that Pittsburgh values. Waiting would let the team address more immediate needs at corner or along the defensive line first,” Decker said.
Howard is coming off a strong season at Ohio State and made his mark in the College Football Playoff while leading the Buckeyes to a national title. The Steelers need a quarterback in this draft. And if they land Rodgers, finding a solid QB later in the draft while filling other holes early could work out well.
Steelers Pick in PFSN’s Recent Mock Draft
In a recent 7-round mock draft by Ian Cummings of PFSN, the Steelers trade back in the first round to take a quarterback. Once again, they’re not picking Sanders. Pittsburgh originally held the No. 21 pick but traded it to the Houston Texans in the exercise. In return, they get the No. 25 pick, the 58th pick, and a 2026 third-rounder from Houston.
With that 25th pick, the Steelers are projected to draft Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe.
Milroe has a big arm and elite athleticism, but he’s still a bit raw. He’d likely need time to develop, possibly sitting behind a veteran in his rookie year. Still, the move gives the Steelers a young quarterback with serious upside.
Trading down also helps Pittsburgh pick up more assets for other positions of need in the second round, all while only moving back four spots to grab Milroe.
The Steelers are drafting a quarterback — that much seems certain. When and who remains the big question. After trading for DK Metcalf this offseason, Pittsburgh needs to find someone to get the ball to him and their other weapons. Whether it’s Howard, Milroe, Sanders, or Rodgers, the Steelers should have a clearer QB plan by the end of the draft.