Are The Pittsburgh Steelers Seriously Targeting A Quarterback In The NFL Draft?

5 min read Post on May 22, 2025

Are The Pittsburgh Steelers Seriously Targeting A Quarterback In The NFL Draft?

The Steelers' Current Quarterback Situation

The Steelers' quarterback room is a complex mix of experience, potential, and uncertainty. Let's break down the key players and their contributions.

Mitch Trubisky's Performance

Mitch Trubisky, acquired in the offseason, served as the starting quarterback for a portion of the 2022 season. While showing flashes of his previous potential, his inconsistent play led to him being benched in favor of Kenny Pickett.

Statistics: Trubisky's stats were underwhelming, demonstrating a need for improvement in key areas like touchdown-to-interception ratio and completion percentage.
Key Games: While he had some decent games, several key matchups exposed inconsistencies in his decision-making and accuracy under pressure.
Areas for Improvement: Trubisky needs to enhance his consistency, improve his deep ball accuracy, and show better pocket awareness to consistently perform at an elite level. His future with the Steelers is uncertain beyond a backup role.

Kenny Pickett's Rookie Season

Kenny Pickett, the Steelers' first-round pick in 2022, saw significant playing time as a rookie. His performance showcased a blend of promise and growing pains typical of a young quarterback entering the NFL.

Statistics: Pickett's statistics gradually improved as the season progressed, indicating a learning curve and potential for future growth.
Promising Plays: He displayed flashes of brilliance, making impressive throws and showcasing his ability to extend plays.
Areas Needing Improvement: Pickett needs to improve his consistency, reduce turnovers, and develop better pocket presence. His decision-making under pressure needs refinement.
Long-Term Potential: Despite his rookie struggles, Pickett's potential is evident. His athleticism, arm strength, and mental toughness suggest he could develop into a solid NFL starter.

Mason Rudolph's Role

Mason Rudolph remains a key component of the Steelers' quarterback depth chart. His future with the team is uncertain given the emergence of Pickett, potentially increasing the likelihood of the Steelers drafting a quarterback to bolster their depth.

Contract Status: Rudolph's contract status will influence his potential return. The Steelers need to consider their budget and the need for roster spots.
Performance in Limited Opportunities: While he hasn't seen extensive playing time, Rudolph has provided valuable experience and depth to the team.

Draft Prospect Analysis

The 2023 NFL Draft boasts a handful of talented quarterbacks who could immediately impact the NFL. Let's examine some of the top prospects and their potential fit with the Steelers.

Top Quarterback Prospects

Several top quarterback prospects are expected to be available in the first round, presenting the Steelers with intriguing options.

C.J. Stroud: Known for his accuracy and pocket presence.
Bryce Young: A smaller, yet highly mobile quarterback with exceptional arm talent.
Anthony Richardson: A physically gifted quarterback with a strong arm and impressive athleticism, but needs development in accuracy and decision-making.
Will Levis: Possesses a strong arm and size but needs to demonstrate consistent accuracy and improve his decision-making under pressure. His projected draft position varies widely.

Steelers' Draft Position and Needs

The Steelers' draft position and other needs will greatly influence their decision-making regarding a quarterback.

Steelers Draft Picks: The Steelers have multiple draft picks, providing flexibility to trade up or down depending on their strategy.
Other Significant Needs: In addition to quarterback, the Steelers have needs on the offensive line and wide receiver positions. This will influence their decision to prioritize a QB.
Potential Trade Scenarios: The Steelers could potentially trade up to secure a top quarterback prospect, though this would require significant capital.

Rumors and Speculation

The rumor mill is churning with speculation regarding the Steelers' interest in drafting a quarterback.

Recent News and Reports

Various reports suggest the Steelers are actively evaluating the quarterback class, conducting extensive scouting and interviews with top prospects. However, the intensity of their interest remains unclear.

Sources of Information: News reports vary in their credibility, adding layers of uncertainty.
Credibility of Reports: Some reports are more credible than others, making it challenging to determine the true extent of the Steelers' intentions.
Interpretations: Different analysts have varying interpretations of these reports, furthering the debate.

Coach Mike Tomlin's Statements

Coach Mike Tomlin's public statements have been carefully worded, offering little concrete information about the team's plans.

Direct Quotes: His comments have emphasized the importance of finding a quality quarterback, without explicitly revealing the team's draft strategy.
Interpretations of his Statements: Analysts interpret his statements as indicative of a potential need for a quarterback, fueling speculation.
Implications for the Draft: His lack of clear commitment to a specific plan only further complicates predictions.

Conclusion

The Pittsburgh Steelers' quarterback situation remains fluid, with several potential scenarios playing out. Kenny Pickett’s development will be crucial, but the presence of other quarterbacks on the roster leaves the possibility of drafting a QB very much alive. The top quarterback prospects in the 2023 NFL Draft offer intriguing options, but the Steelers’ draft position and other roster needs will greatly influence their decision. Recent rumors and Coach Tomlin's subtle comments only add to the mystery.

Will the Pittsburgh Steelers finally select a franchise quarterback in the upcoming NFL Draft? Stay tuned for further updates and analysis as the draft approaches! Continue the conversation by leaving a comment below on whether you think the Steelers should draft a quarterback, and which prospect you think would be the best fit.