The Pittsburgh Steelers are still very much in play with regards to quarterback Aaron Rodgers, even after he decided to torch his former employers in the New York Jets and hint that retirement is still very much at the front of his mind during a Pat McAfee Show appearance.
However, no matter what happens with Rodgers, the Steelers will likely be looking at the quarterbacks 2025 NFL Draft with great interest. They could either land a new Week 1 starter or someone who can be groomed to eventually take over and succeed Rodgers as the No. 1 shot-caller.
Popular names that make sense for Pittsburgh include Ole Miss' Jaxson Dart and Alabama's Jalen Milroe, who both might be tough starts on Day 1. However, the Steelers might be on the verge of going so far in the wrong direction that it hurts this team for years to come.
NFL insider Tom Pelissero listed Louisville quarterback Tyler Shough as a player who could end up sneaking into the latter half of the first round. Steelers fans need to hope that Shough, who turns 26 during his rookie campaign, is not the guy this organization settles on.
Steelers may consider Tyler Shough in NFL Draft amid Aaron Rodgers news
Shough, who transferred between Oregon, Texas Tech, and Louisville throughout his seven-year college career, has a strong arm, cavalier style of play and solid mobility for a 6-5 passer. No wonder Steelers OC Arthur Smith may be interested in him.
However, the flaws outweigh whatever positives he could bring to this team at No. 21. Shough has some major durability issues, as he hasn't played more than seven games in a season except for his final season at Louisville. He has also struggled with playing under pressure in the pocket during his college career.
Shough would need to play right away due to his age limiting how much time he can waste away on the bench. That could be a brutal way for Pittsburgh to run an offense due to his clear limitations as a passer. Rodgers is his own can of worms, but he can throw it well enough to help the Steelers contend for the postseason, which Shough may not be able to do.
Shough's ceiling is high, and you draft for ceiling when evaluating quarterbacks, but there are so many red flags attached that he should not be the No. 1 option if Rodgers falls through.
