In Tim Benz’s NFL Draft preview for the Steelers, he highlights how the quarterback class will impact Pittsburgh, even if they don’t select a quarterback themselves. After making significant changes to their quarterback roster, including acquiring Russell Wilson, Justin Fields, and Kyle Allen, the Steelers are not expected to prioritize drafting a quarterback in the upcoming NFL Draft.
However, this doesn’t mean the Steelers won’t be affected by the quarterback market during the draft. The more quarterbacks other teams select early on, the more top-tier players in other positions like tackles, centers, wide receivers, defensive backs, and defensive linemen will be available when the Steelers pick at No. 20.
In a podcast featuring former pro and college scout Matt Williamson of Steelers Nation Radio, Williamson predicts that at least four picks before the Steelers’ turn could be used on quarterbacks. This scenario would be favorable for the Steelers’ front office and head coach Mike Tomlin.
Williamson discusses several quarterbacks likely to be taken early in the draft, including Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, Drake Maye, and J.J. McCarthy, among others. While some thought the Steelers might consider drafting quarterbacks like Bo Nix or Michael Penix instead of acquiring veterans like Wilson and Fields, Williamson argues for selecting quarterbacks with higher upside potential, akin to Josh Allen’s development trajectory with the Bills.
Ultimately, given the depth of this year’s quarterback draft class and the Steelers’ position at No. 20, Williamson believes the Steelers made the right decision in restructuring their quarterback room before the draft, especially considering the cost-effectiveness of their current quarterback lineup against the salary cap.
The podcast also covers discussions about Wilson’s game, general quarterback draft projections, the running back prospects in this year’s NFL Draft, and how runs on certain positions like running backs or quarterbacks can benefit teams like the Steelers.
