The Pittsburgh Steelers have a pretty big problem at the quarterback position. The new league year has been underway for nearly a week and the organization still does not have a reliable starting quarterback on the roster, which has led many to speculate about what could come from the position in 2025. The franchise is still interested in Aaron Rodgers, as the veteran continues to think about his future and where he would want to play next, but if he chooses to go elsewhere or retire, the Steelers may have to consider drafting a quarterback.
While awaiting a decision from Rodgers, Pittsburgh decided to bring back Mason Rudolph. The veteran is a capable spot-starter, but he should not be relied upon for all 17 regular-season games.
Depending on what happens with Rodgers, the Steelers may end up drafting a quarterback. This would be fine, but unfortunately the quarterback class in the 2025 Draft is not all that impressive. The organization may be able to find some value on the third day of the event, but according to ESPN Draft Analyst Jordan Reid, Pittsburgh could be using its first-round selection on the position.
"Though they signed Mason Rudolph to a two-year, $8 million deal, the Steelers could sign a true short-term starter such as Rodgers or Wilson and then also draft a guy." Reid wrote. "Ole Miss' Jaxson Dart could be in play at No. 21, or Pittsburgh could wait until the third round to select someone such as Louisville's Tyler Shough or Alabama's Jalen Milroe."
Both Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders are expected to be off the board by the time the Steelers are selecting at 21, and there is a chance Jaxson Dart will be as well, but he is the quarterback with the highest probably of going to Pittsburgh in the first round. There is no consensus draft positioning for Dart. He has been mocked all over the place. Some believe he will make it to Day 2 of the draft, while others think he could go in the top 10.
Dart has plenty of experience at the college level. During his freshman season in 2021 he played in six games at USC before transferring to Ole Miss in 2022. He was a three-year starter at Ole Miss and threw for nearly 12,000 yards, 81 touchdowns, and just 27 interceptions while playing in the highly-competitive Southeastern Conference.
Dart has arguably played against better competition than any other quarterback in the draft class, and has three full seasons of starting under his belt. He has a bit of mobility to him as he fits the mold of the modern-day quarterback, and he could be a pleasant surprise if Pittsburgh decides to take a chance on him. Drafting him with the 21st overall pick would probably be criticized by some immediately, but it could pay off in the long run.
Steelers May Consider A Different Quarterback Prospect
Dart's draft stock is extremely volatile, as is Tyler Shough's. Shough is the oldest quarterback in the class, and he is considered to be pro-ready. His experience, poise, and skills have him considered by some to a fringe first-rounder, and draft experts like Todd McShay don't expect him to make it past the second round.
Pittsburgh hosted Shough on a pre-draft visit, and there is some interest in the Louisville product. It is hard to tell where Shough will be drafted, but the Steelers could explore trading back into the second round to select him. The Steelers got rid of their second-round pick in the trade for DK Metcalf, and trading back from 21 to select Shough at some point in the second round might be the smartest play. This will give Pittsburgh some additional draft capital, and potentially a franchise quarterback.
