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

Natalie Brooks

6 min read

Post on May 22, 2025

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The Steelers' Current Quarterback Situation

Kenny Pickett's Performance

Kenny Pickett's rookie season was a mixed bag. While he showed flashes of brilliance, inconsistency plagued his performance. Analyzing Kenny Pickett Stats reveals a quarterback with potential but needing refinement. His arm strength and accuracy were inconsistent, and his decision-making under pressure often lacked decisiveness. The Steelers Offensive Line also played a role in his struggles, contributing to sacks and hurried throws. However, Pickett displayed moments of strong play, including several game-winning drives, showcasing his potential for growth. His completion percentage improved as the season progressed, indicating a learning curve and potential for improvement.

• Review of key statistics and game performances: Pickett's completion percentage fluctuated throughout the season, showing inconsistency but with noticeable improvement in the latter half. His touchdown-to-interception ratio needs improvement, and his rushing ability proved to be a limited weapon.
• Assessment of his arm strength, accuracy, and decision-making: While possessing adequate arm strength for NFL throws, accuracy remains an area for improvement. Decision-making under pressure needs considerable development.
• Discussion of potential for improvement: With coaching, a better offensive line, and another year of experience, Pickett’s potential for significant improvement remains high.

Backup Quarterbacks and the Depth Chart

Behind Pickett, the Steelers' backup quarterback situation is less than ideal. Mitch Trubisky, despite his experience, hasn't consistently demonstrated starting-caliber play. Mason Rudolph's time with the team has also shown inconsistencies. The Steelers Backup Quarterback position needs a substantial upgrade to provide dependable depth.

• Discussion of each backup quarterback's strengths and weaknesses: Trubisky offers a strong arm but struggles with consistency and decision-making. Rudolph is a familiar face, but his overall performance hasn't justified a starting role.
• Assessment of their experience and potential: While both have experience, neither represents a reliable long-term solution or significant improvement over Pickett.
• Analysis of the overall depth at the quarterback position: The current depth chart lacks a reliable backup and raises questions about the team's long-term plan for the position.

The Steelers' Draft Needs and Strategy

Draft Position and Available Prospects

The Steelers' draft position will heavily influence their ability to acquire a top quarterback prospect. The NFL Draft Order and Steelers Draft Picks 2024 will determine their options. Several quarterbacks are projected to be available, ranging from potential first-round picks to those available in later rounds. The Top Quarterbacks 2024 NFL Draft are a key focus of pre-draft speculation.

• List of potential quarterback prospects and their draft projections: Depending on the draft order, prospects ranging from highly touted college stars to mid-round sleepers could be available.
• Analysis of each prospect’s strengths, weaknesses, and potential fit with the Steelers: This will involve studying the prospects' physical attributes, playing style, and potential compatibility with the Steelers’ offensive scheme.
• Discussion of other team needs that might influence their draft strategy: Other positional needs, such as offensive line or wide receiver, could also factor into their overall draft strategy.

The Steelers' Historical Draft Approach

Analyzing the Steelers Draft History, specifically their Steelers QB Draft History, reveals a team that prioritizes character and team fit. They've shown a willingness to draft quarterbacks both early and late, depending on the circumstances.

• Examples of successful and unsuccessful quarterback drafts: The team’s history includes both successful picks (Ben Roethlisberger) and less successful ones, offering insights into their drafting patterns.
• Analysis of the team's tendencies in selecting quarterbacks (early, late, etc.): The Steelers haven't consistently favored one approach over another, suggesting flexibility in their approach based on the available talent and their other needs.
• Discussion of factors influencing their past draft decisions: The quality of available prospects, the team's immediate needs, and the coaching staff’s preferences all play a role.

Analyzing the Likelihood of a Quarterback Selection

Pro and Cons of Drafting a Quarterback

Drafting a quarterback presents both significant advantages and risks. The decision to draft a Quarterback, whether an Early Round Quarterback or a Late Round Quarterback, hinges on several factors.

• Advantages of drafting a high-potential quarterback early: Securing a franchise quarterback early can accelerate a team's rebuilding process and lay the foundation for long-term success.
• Risks associated with drafting a quarterback early: High draft picks come with significant pressure, and early-round quarterbacks can sometimes struggle to live up to expectations.
• Potential benefits of drafting a quarterback later in the draft: Finding a hidden gem in later rounds provides value and reduces the risk associated with high draft picks.
• Potential drawbacks of waiting to draft a quarterback: Waiting may mean missing out on a top prospect or settling for a less desirable option.

Alternative Strategies

The Steelers aren't limited to drafting a quarterback. They could explore other avenues to improve the position.

• Analysis of available free agent quarterbacks: The free-agent market might offer options, although often at a premium cost.
• Assessment of potential trade targets: Trading for an established quarterback is another possibility, although this requires the right opportunity and sufficient assets.
• Discussion of the pros and cons of each alternative strategy: Each strategy comes with its own advantages and drawbacks concerning cost, risk, and potential return on investment.

Conclusion

The question of whether the Pittsburgh Steelers will target a quarterback in the NFL Draft remains open. While Kenny Pickett showed potential, the current depth chart lacks reliable backups, highlighting a need for improvement at the position. The Steelers' draft position and the availability of promising quarterback prospects will significantly influence their decision. They must carefully weigh the pros and cons of drafting a quarterback early or late, or exploring alternative strategies like free agency or trades. Ultimately, the Steelers' NFL Draft Predictions for the quarterback position remain uncertain, and further observation is needed before the draft to accurately assess their strategy. The outcome will significantly impact the Steelers' future success.

Call to Action: Stay tuned for more updates as we approach the NFL Draft to see if the Pittsburgh Steelers indeed target a quarterback. Keep checking back for the latest news and analysis on whether the Steelers will make a quarterback their priority in the Steelers Quarterback Draft.