Pittsburgh Steelers And The 2024 NFL Draft: Quarterback Focus

Pedro Alvarez

5 min read

Post on May 22, 2025

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Analyzing the Steelers' Current Quarterback Situation

Kenny Pickett's Performance and Potential

Kenny Pickett, the Steelers' starting quarterback, enters the 2024 season with a mixed bag of results. His rookie year showed flashes of brilliance, but inconsistency plagued his performance. His future as the long-term answer remains a question mark for many.

• Strengths: Pickett demonstrated improved pocket presence and decision-making towards the end of the 2023 season, showcasing improved accuracy on short-to-intermediate throws. A strong arm and ability to extend plays with his mobility were occasional bright spots.
• Weaknesses: Inconsistent accuracy, particularly on deep throws, and occasional poor decision-making leading to turnovers hampered his overall effectiveness. His pocket awareness needs further development, and his ability to read defenses consistently requires improvement.
• Areas for Improvement: Focusing on enhancing his accuracy, improving his reads before the snap, and mastering the intricacies of the Steelers' offensive scheme are crucial for Pickett's development as the Steelers' starting quarterback. Improved consistency and reduced turnovers are paramount.

The Backup Quarterback Situation and its Impact

The Steelers' backup quarterback situation adds another layer of complexity to their draft strategy. The current depth chart may offer a suitable temporary solution, but it doesn't necessarily inspire long-term confidence.

• Current Backups: [Insert names of current backup quarterbacks]. Their strengths and weaknesses must be carefully considered to determine if they offer adequate depth in case of injury to Pickett. Contract situations also play a role in decision-making.
• Impact on Draft Strategy: A strong backup would lessen the pressure to draft a quarterback early. However, the lack of a clear, reliable backup may force the Steelers to prioritize a quarterback in the 2024 NFL Draft, regardless of their draft position.

Top Quarterback Prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft

Draft Position and Potential First-Round Picks

The Steelers' draft position will significantly influence their options. A top pick would allow them to select one of the highly touted quarterback prospects.

• Potential First-Round Quarterbacks: [Insert names of potential first-round quarterbacks, linking to scouting reports where available]. Each prospect presents a unique blend of strengths and weaknesses, including arm strength, accuracy, mobility, and decision-making skills. Analyzing their college performances and projecting their NFL readiness is crucial.
• Playing Styles: [Briefly describe the playing styles of the top prospects – e.g., pocket passer, mobile quarterback]. This is crucial, as the Steelers' offensive scheme must be a good fit for the chosen player.

Mid-to-Late Round Quarterback Options

Selecting a quarterback in later rounds presents a high-risk, high-reward scenario. While less costly, it carries uncertainty.

• Potential Mid-to-Late Round Prospects: [Mention potential mid-to-late round prospects and their upside]. Evaluating their potential for development and assessing the fit within the Steelers' system are critical.
• Advantages and Risks: The advantage is cost-effectiveness; the risk is that late-round quarterbacks often need significant development time and may not pan out. Finding a late-round gem is possible, but it is a gamble. It also hinges on the quality of the current backup quarterbacks and their ability to contribute.

Factors Influencing the Steelers' Draft Decision

Coaching Staff's Preferences and Offensive Scheme

The Steelers' coaching staff plays a pivotal role in shaping their quarterback selection. Their preferences and the team's offensive scheme must align with the chosen quarterback's strengths.

• Offensive Coordinator's Influence: The Steelers' offensive coordinator's preferences regarding quarterback skill sets will heavily influence their selection. This includes desired playing styles (e.g., pocket passer, mobile quarterback) and the suitability of various quarterback skillsets for the Steelers’ offensive schemes.
• Scheme Fit: The selected quarterback's skill set should complement the Steelers' offensive scheme. A mobile quarterback might thrive in a system that utilizes designed runs, while a pocket passer might excel in a more traditional drop-back passing offense.

Team Needs Beyond Quarterback

The Steelers possess other pressing needs beyond the quarterback position, demanding careful consideration of their overall draft strategy.

• Other Positional Needs: The Steelers may need to bolster their offensive line, wide receiver corps, or defensive units. Balancing the need for a quarterback with other critical needs requires careful assessment of the available talent and the value at each position. Drafting a quarterback might not be the highest priority if other more pressing needs exist on the team.
• Prioritizing Needs: The Steelers' front office must carefully weigh the relative importance of their needs at different positions. While a franchise quarterback is undeniably crucial, addressing other critical positional needs could strengthen the team's overall performance in the short-term.

The Pittsburgh Steelers' 2024 NFL Draft: A Crucial Quarterback Decision

In conclusion, the Pittsburgh Steelers' 2024 NFL Draft presents a crucial opportunity to address their long-standing quarterback conundrum. Kenny Pickett's development, the quality of backup options, the available draft prospects, the coaching staff's preferences, and the team's overall needs all influence their decision. The Steelers must weigh these factors carefully to select the quarterback who best suits their needs and maximizes their chances of future success. What are your predictions for the Steelers' quarterback situation and their 2024 NFL Draft strategy? Share your opinions and predictions using #SteelersQuarterback and #SteelersDraft2024! Let's discuss the future of the Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback position.