In his latest mock draft for ESPN, Matt Miller projects the Pittsburgh Steelers selecting LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier with the 53rd overall pick. The selection would give Mike McCarthy a developmental quarterback option behind Aaron Rodgers.
Miller’s Analysis on Garrett Nussmeier’s Fit on the Steelers
Although Miller has projected Nussmeier as a fit for the Steelers, the organization’s moves in free agency and public comments about second-year QB Will Howard suggest the Steelers may not view the position as a draft priority at all.
“Aaron Rodgers hasn’t announced his 2026 plans, but the Steelers’ lack of urgency in free agency likely points to his return,” Miller wrote. “But Rodgers is 42 years old, and there’s no clear-cut successor on the roster. Nussmeier is ideal for Mike McCarthy’s West Coast offense, with good arm talent and accuracy on the move that would allow him to thrive in a short-to-intermediate passing scheme.”
The McCarthy connection runs deeper than a scheme fit. Nussmeier’s father, Doug, served as quarterbacks coach under McCarthy in Dallas from 2020 to 2022.
The 24-year-old quarterback has said publicly he’d “love” to become a Steeler. The LSU product threw for 4,052 yards with 29 touchdowns during his strong 2024 junior season, though an abdominal injury limited him to 9 games in 2025. He is currently ranked as the third-best quarterback on PFSN’s Big Board ahead of Cade Klubnik and Drew Allar.
Still, the mock projection conflicts with what the Steelers have signaled through their actions. Pittsburgh passed on every notable free agent quarterback. No trades materialized. The front office appears content to wait on Rodgers while expressing confidence in Howard.
How Will Howard Complicates the Steelers’ QB Draft Plans
McCarthy has been direct about his feelings toward the former Ohio State national champion. The Athletic reported the team is “high on Howard,” with McCarthy himself saying he’s “really excited” to work with the 24-year-old. A hand injury in training camp prevented Howard from taking any NFL snaps in 2025, but the organization never wavered in its support.
The most vocal Howard advocate sits outside the building. Ben Roethlisberger has repeatedly pushed for the Steelers to give Howard a legitimate shot rather than spend draft capital on the position.
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“I’m a big Will Howard fan. I’d love to give Will Howard a chance,” Roethlisberger said. “I think he’s a guy who’s a proven winner in college. I think he can come here and do it… I don’t think the Steelers should draft a quarterback early in this draft by any means. If you wanna try to grab one in the fourth round, or just somewhere, just to add someone.”
Roethlisberger believes the Rodgers return creates the perfect development window for Howard. If Rodgers signs, Howard gets another year learning from a four-time MVP while the Steelers address other roster holes. That scenario leaves little incentive to spend a Day 2 pick on Nussmeier when Howard already occupies the heir apparent role.
The Steelers hold 12 picks, including 5 inside the top 100. Quarterback, wide receiver, offensive tackle, left guard, and safety all qualify as needs.
McCarthy’s first draft in Pittsburgh will reveal whether the new regime shares Miller’s belief that the QB requires immediate attention or whether Howard has earned enough internal trust to table the conversation until 2027.
