The Pittsburgh Steelers’ draft strategy largely depends on how the Aaron Rodgers’ saga shakes out. Due to the drawn-out decision-making process, there is some uncertainty about Rodgers’ future. Like the Minnesota Vikings, the Steelers could decide to get out of the sweepstakes for the four-time NFL MVP’s services.
If they do, the Steelers will have a clean slate at the quarterback position which has been a struggle ever since Ben Roethlisberger retired. Whether it was Kenny Pickett, Mason Rudolph, or the Justin Fields-Russell Wilson duo last season, none of the choices have panned out.
It could be time for something new. Hall of Famer Tony Dungy recently predicted they will select Oregon’s Dillon Gabriel.
Tony Dungy Predicts Steelers Will Draft Oregon QB Dillon Gabriel in the 2025 NFL Draft
Last season, a 10-3 start quickly fell by the wayside for the Steelers and ended in another first-round playoff exit. Neither of their two quarterbacks — Russell Wilson or Justin Fields — inspired enough confidence for the team to want to bring them back.
Instead, they remain embroiled in the Rodgers’ drama. Whatever happens is going to happen. More importantly, Pittsburgh needs a long-term answer at quarterback.
Tony Dungy, the one-time defensive coordinator for the Steelers, believes it could be Oregon standout Dillon Gabriel who threw for 3,857 yards and 30 touchdowns last season.
“We’ve gotta address that quarterback position,” Dungy said on his “Football Night in America” podcast. “I’m gonna make a shocking pick here and I’m gonna pick Dillon Gabriel from the University of Oregon. I think he’s a Bo Nix clone.”
Pittsburgh Steelers Predicted To Draft ‘Bo Nix Clone’
Nix was drafted No. 12 overall by the Denver Broncos in 2024 after five seasons of college football. Gabriel also has had a long college career, transferring twice and seeing action in 64 games for three different schools over six years — unlike Nix, he is barely projected to be a first-rounder.
“He’s played six years in college football,” Dungy said. “He’s thrown over 1,300 passes. He’s got a high percentage of completions. Doesn’t throw interceptions. He’s mobile. He doesn’t have maybe the big name of Sanders, but I think he is a guy who can step in and play and fix that quarterback position.
“It’s a reach and I know people will be shocked but I had a feeling on Bo Nix last year, and I’ve got a feeling on Gabriel this year. I think he’s gonna be good for someone and Pittsburgh needs a quarterback.
The Steelers are picking No. 21 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, so Gabriel should be on the board when they go on the clock. If he can replicate Nix’s rookie year at that value pick, Pittsburgh would be set for many years.
There are other options, too. PFSN predicted Louisville standout Tyler Shough to the Steelers in their latest seven-round mock draft. Meanwhile, Gabriel is projected to go 234th overall to the Seattle Seahawks.
The 24-year-old put up personal bests last season with a 72.9% completion percentage and 3,857 passing yards. He racked up 37 total touchdowns with six interceptions. Gabriel finished his six-year college career with 189 total touchdowns — 155 passing, 33 rushing, plus one receiving score.