As the Pittsburgh Steelers approach the NFL Draft, they’ll do so without a reliable starting quarterback, regardless of how much confidence head coach Mike Tomlin exudes about the position.
That's what we say about veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who is the frontrunner to fill that void. He has visited the facility, worked out with receiver DK Metcalf, and seen virtually all of his other options come off the board earlier in free agency.
But as he drags his feet here, do you, Steelers fan, find him to be "reliable''?
Even if Rodgers finally loosens his death grip here and signs, that doesn’t necessarily preclude Pittsburgh from taking a quarterback.
But if a deal doesn’t get done, the team would feel even more pressure to add a quarterback in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Out of range for Cam Ward and (we think) Shedeur Sanders, there’s been a flurry of speculation for Day 2 passers for Mississippi’s Jaxson Dart and Alabama’s Jalen Milroe.
Without a second-round pick, though, and with just Mason Rudolph locked in, the Steelers may feel extra pressure to land their preferred passer. Subsequently, we say they reach for a quarterback in the following three-round mock draft, made using Pro Football and Sports Network’s mock draft simulator.
The guy? Round 1, Pick 21: Mississippi Quarterback Jaxson Dart
Reaching for what some think is a Day 2 prospect isn't a power move, but it doesn’t mean Dart won’t work out. Pittsburgh is likely going to at some point have to give a young passer the reins. That would be accelerated without the 41-year-old Rodgers, with Dart pushing Rudolph for playing time rather quickly.
There would be several reasons to be excited about Dart, largely revolving around quality arm talent, a willingness to weaponize his athleticism, and flashes of nuanced pocket movement. However, transitioning to the NFL will be bumpy.
There may be similar restrictions put on the offense like there was with the athletic Justin Fields when he was under center for six weeks in 2024.
If the Steelers do Dart at 21? There will be QB criticism. But given Rodgers' actions in recent weeks? This team is probably getting used to that.
