Pittsburgh Steelers' 2024 Draft Strategy: Will They Draft A Quarterback?

Pedro Alvarez

4 min read

Post on May 22, 2025

4.4

Share

Evaluating the Current Quarterback Situation

Kenny Pickett's Performance in 2023:

Kenny Pickett's 2023 performance will be a key factor in the Steelers' decision-making process. Analyzing his stats, strengths, and weaknesses is crucial to understanding their needs at the quarterback position. Keywords like "Kenny Pickett performance," "Steelers quarterback stats," and "Pickett's potential" are essential to understanding the conversation around the team's quarterback situation.

• Key games: Analyzing Pickett's performance in crucial matchups against divisional rivals will provide insights into his ability to handle pressure.
• Notable plays: Highlighting both his exceptional plays and critical mistakes will give a balanced view of his capabilities.
• Areas for improvement: Identifying his weaknesses, such as consistency throwing deep or decision-making under pressure, is paramount to evaluating his potential as a franchise quarterback. If these weaknesses are significant, the Steelers may feel compelled to look to the draft.

Backup Quarterback Options:

The Steelers' current backup quarterbacks also influence the decision of whether to draft a quarterback. Terms like "Steelers backup quarterbacks," "Mason Rudolph," and "drafting a backup" will be vital in discussing this aspect of the team's strategy.

• Strengths and weaknesses: Evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of Mason Rudolph (or other backups) and their contract situations helps determine whether they represent a viable long-term solution.
• Contract situations: The existing contracts of backup quarterbacks impact the team’s salary cap flexibility and the resources available to invest in a rookie quarterback.

The Need for a Franchise Quarterback:

The Steelers need a franchise quarterback to secure their future success. This section explores "franchise quarterback," "long-term strategy," and "Steelers future" to weigh the arguments for and against drafting a quarterback in 2024.

• Arguments for drafting a QB: The argument for drafting a quarterback centers on securing a long-term solution at the most important position. A young, high-potential quarterback can provide stability and lead the team for years to come.
• Arguments against drafting a QB: Counterarguments might focus on Pickett's potential for improvement, the team's other needs, or the perceived lack of top-tier quarterback talent in the 2024 draft.

Analyzing the 2024 Quarterback Draft Class

Top Quarterback Prospects:

The quality of the 2024 quarterback draft class is crucial to the Steelers' decision. Analyzing "2024 NFL Draft quarterbacks," "top quarterback prospects," "Caleb Williams," "Drake Maye," (and other relevant names) is vital for this section.

• Strengths and weaknesses: A deep dive into the strengths and weaknesses of each top prospect is necessary to determine their potential fit within the Steelers' system.
• Projected draft position: Understanding where these prospects are projected to be selected is key to planning potential trade strategies.

Potential Fits for the Steelers:

This section analyzes which quarterbacks might be a good fit for the Steelers' offensive scheme and team culture. Keywords like "Steelers offensive scheme," "quarterback fit," and "draft strategy" will be paramount.

• Matchups of prospect skills to team needs: This requires careful consideration of each prospect’s playing style, arm strength, mobility, and decision-making skills in relation to the Steelers' offensive system and coaching staff’s preferences.

Alternative Draft Strategies: Beyond the Quarterback

Other Positions of Need:

Even if the Steelers don't draft a quarterback in the first round, other positions need addressing. This section focuses on "Steelers draft needs," "offensive line," "defensive needs," and "2024 NFL Draft needs."

• Key positions: The Steelers may prioritize bolstering the offensive line, adding depth at wide receiver, or addressing defensive needs depending on free agency signings and player performance.

Trading Up/Down:

The Steelers might consider trading up or down in the draft to acquire a quarterback or address other needs. Keywords such as "Steelers draft trades," "trading up in the draft," and "draft pick value" are important here.

• Pros and cons: Trading up allows them to secure a highly-rated prospect but comes at the cost of additional draft picks. Trading down allows them to accumulate more picks, potentially addressing multiple needs.

Conclusion: The Steelers' 2024 Quarterback Decision: A Crucial Crossroads

The decision of whether or not the Pittsburgh Steelers will draft a quarterback in 2024 is a complex one with significant long-term implications for the franchise. The evaluation of Kenny Pickett's performance, the assessment of the 2024 quarterback class, and the identification of other team needs all contribute to this critical crossroads. The Steelers must carefully weigh the potential benefits of drafting a franchise quarterback against the risks and alternative strategies available.

What do YOU think the Steelers should do at quarterback in the 2024 NFL Draft? Share your opinions! #SteelersDraft #NFLDraft #KennyPickett