In need of a new franchise quarterback for the first time in almost two decades, the Steelers have already been active in the free agent market at the position. Despite the addition of Mitch Trubisky, however, they remain – not surprisingly – very much involved in the scouting process of this year’s QB prospects. 
[RELATED: Steelers Sign Trubisky]
ESPN draft analyst Jordan Reid noted the presence of Steelers personnel (from head coach Mike Tomlin to outgoing general manager Kevin Colbert to pro scouting coordinator Brandon Hunt) at the pro days of each top signal-caller. The fact that Pittsburgh has been “doing an extensive amount of work on the entire QB class” was one of the top storylines throughout the post-combine evaluation process.
Colbert recently addressed the time being invested in draft options despite having signed Trubisky to a two-year deal. “We’ve been at top quarterback pro days for the first time in a long time because we may be in a position where we have [a need]“, he said (Twitter link via ESPN’s Brooke Pryor). “Does that mean we’re taking one? Possibly.”
The Steelers currently have not only the former Bears first-rounder, but also Mason Rudolph and Dwayne Haskins on the roster. They hold the 20th overall pick in April’s draft, meaning Malik Willis and Kenny Pickett would likely only be available if they trade up in the first round. Other options include Sam Howell, Matt Corral and Desmond Ridder. The team made it clear they were aiming to have four quarterbacks on their 2022 roster, with a relatively open competition ensuing amongst them. Selecting one later this month would bring them to that total, while beginning the long-term process of replacing Ben Roethlisberger.
They could also just resign Josh Dobbs. Team isn’t going to mortgage the future on a QB that isn’t deemed a franchise QB. If either of these had that talent they would or will be gone in the top 10. Someone is going to believe in these 2 more than the Steelers are willing to commit
Drafting a Qb 20 isn’t exactly mortgaging the future.
sure it is… because finding a big run stopper is the difference between having a chance at contending this season and not
Sure does slow it down, especially when you may be able to draft another TJ late in the round.
Reality is the Steelers need to get their QB when a good class is coming out and project the top 10. They need to be patient, wait and draft other needs rather than force the issue. When the time comes, make the move and trade up if necessary.
Steeles are better off upgrading the o line with someone like Trevor Penning or Bernhard Raimann.
Give Tribisky, Rudolph and Haskins the best chance at success with protection, targets and a running game which they have. If all three still suck then next season you can draft someone in and have a loaded offseason for them to jump straight into.
Then you can look at drafting someone like CJ Stroud, Bryce Young or Anthony Richardson.
Don’t land in a good position to draft a QB, NFL FA market will have a healthy set of available QBs, Sam Darnold, Baker Mayfield, Jimmy G, plus possibly Dan Jones or Derrick Carr, although I’d assume Carr gets extended.
Just keep giving out 1 year deals until you find the right player or are happy with someone in particular in the draft
other than Carr, I’d prefer Trubisky over that entire list (cost accounted for)
While I agree that the Steelers should build from the ground up with someone like Penning or Raimann, none of those three QBs inspire a lot of confidence.
Rudolph has proven he can’t be a starting QB in the league. Adequate backup, but not a starter.
Trubisky flamed out in Chicago, and unless he magically learned a lot while holding a clipboard in Buffalo, he’s probably not going to be much better in Pittsburgh.
Haskins flamed out in Washington and supposedly had attitude and work ethic issues to go with it.
I could see the argument for drafting a QB even in a supposedly weak class like this. Doesn’t make sense to move up, but if one falls to them, they should think about it. You could always cut Haskins and keep the new guy on the bench with Rudolph while giving Trubisky a shot.
it can be argued that Mitch was underrated in Chicago and was put in a system that didn’t benefit him.
if we’re looking at arm strength, size and mobility (as we would with any draft prospect)
, then Mitch checks every box.
and while it may seem he was just holding a clipboard last season, he was spending 5 days a week on the field with QB guru Brian Daboll, who just got a job in NY with the sole intention of fixing Daniel Jones
infact it’s been reported that Dabol liked Mitch so much, that he wanted him as his starting qb on the Giants, but Mitch saw less competition with the steelers having only Rudolph making 1.5 mil in the way, instead of a guy like Jones with a lot of money behind him
The best way forward for the Steelers is simple. This is a bad QB class. Don’t take a guy just bcs you need to. Take BPA throughout the draft and hit on guys. Improve the roster. Specifically the O-line and WR. The next part is where it gets hard for Pitt. Be ok with losing games. AFC, and specifically the AFC North, is stacked. You aren’t contending this year anyway. Start your young guys and try to earn a top 10 pick, to be positioned for a QB in next years draft. Maybe even consider trading a vet, or two, if you can grab some extra draft picks. Load up for the next run with the QB of the future.
there’s enough QBs and lack of interest that waiting until round 2 makes the most sense
like are you really going to pass on a Chris Olave or Devante Wyatt to draft Pickett or Howell?
I think that would be dumb
I remember when Tim Couch, Cade Mcnown, Akil Smith, Ryan Leaf, etc… all top ten can’t miss talents.
Just saying, so much of it depends upon the situation the player is going and organization and I can see Kenny Pickett being the Steelers next starter and being successful.
Steelers fans lol
With all of the depth in this draft at areas that the Steelers need (interior linemen, tackles, defensive linemen, and defensive backs), it would be beyond silly to draft what will likely be an average quarterback. It’s doubtful in my mind that any of these players will get Pittsburgh further than their currently signed starting options, but I suppose time will tell.
Drafting interior linemen in the first round isn’t generally a great proposition either.
Are you kidding?
No, not usually, but there are several studs this year that could be great. The individual player is more important than the position he plays-players like DeCastro, Zack Martin, Travis Frederick, or Maurkice Pouncey were all worth first round picks value-wise, I would say. In fact, the last three linemen picked by the Steelers in the first round have had great careers-Pouncey, DeCastro, and Alan Faneca back in the late 90s. Creed Humphrey was an excellent pick for the Chiefs last year (and a player that I had hoped to see Pittsburgh take). I’m not definitively saying that these guys are here this year, but we shouldn’t rule out a position completely for Pittsburgh, especially given how much they need help there.
Of course, the point wasn’t to suggest an interior lineman with the first pick. It was just to say that a stud interior lineman would be a better pick than a subpar quarterback. As we know, there are other spots that the Steelers will need picks to address that will be deep this year. I mentioned defensive linemen as one, and that will probably be the area that has the best value for Pittsburgh when the clock starts. There are just so many directions that they can go that would be better than forcing a QB pick this year, and that’s my main point.
an argument could be made that interior linemen on both sides of the ball are the most important position in football.
like who’s Tom Brady with an offensive line?
we saw what happened against the Rams in the playoffs
Interior offensive linemen are not more important than tackles.
And sure, if you list the best interior linemen taken in the first round in the last twenty years, you’ll find some great draft picks.
Those also happen to be the only interior linemen taken by Pittsburgh in the first in the last three decades. Every one was a hit. I’m not suggesting that they do so again, only that it is not an absolute that it wouldn’t be worth it.
if you’re trying to run the ball like pittsburgh should be this season, then interior linemen are very important.
and DT in a 3-4 is extremely important as steelers found out last year
Needing those things doesn’t mean you have to spend a first round pick on them.
The steelers need to be realistic, they need linemen, Zion Johnson at 20 would be awesome or trade down for picks. Perhaps it is right this draft is terrible on QB’s… But I think Ridder in the 2nd or 3rd round would be nice, Ridder is far better than all 3 QB’s the steelers got right now. He’s tall, fast, nice arm and fairly accurate. AND he looks like a steeler already.
agreed. see who falls into r2
.. not much separates these QBs
just as fine with Ridder or Pickett as Malik or Howell
don’t see many teams drafting QB early
Wow. I never realized so many professional scouts submitted comments on this site. I am amazed the Steelers would allow their scouts to offer comments on this site.
It’s a fan chat on a football website you imbecile, way to make yourself sound intelligent.
stick to hockey bud
He does the same schtick there, too.
Sign Kaepernick, draft best available
lol I’d rather use Haskins and that’s saying A LOT
If the draft a QB at 20 it’s not as bad as trading up and drafting same QB.
but how about trading up in r2 for same QB ?
they have an extra 4th they can use or supplement a traded 3rd to move up into the top 10 of r2
We’ll know the Steelers are totally desperate for a good arm when they start scouting the Pirates pitching staff.
the pirates have a good arm?
this is news to me
Yes, bednar
they’ll trade em to the Padres 🙂
Random guess based on nothing…AKA a mock draft…
I’d guess Pickett to CAR and Willis to SEA, so seems like they’d have to trade up or reach for a QB at 20.
Also, it shows how fickle opinions are…Trubisky was a #2 overall pick. I think Haskins was #15 or so. But, they are bums already and the guy they’d get at 20 is automatically better?
I’d give Trubisky a real chance without looking over his shoulder at the latest first round QB and see what he can do.
it doesn’t look like Carolina is going QB at 6.
I agree Mitch has the tools and potential to be worth full seasons look.
Rudolph, while not promising, still has earned a shot himself this season.
worry about QB next year unless one falls into day 2 and they find a partner to move up into the late 30’s/ early 40s without giving up a ton
Evidently the Carolina owner is a Pitt alum and their HC Rhuhle (sp?) once recruited Pickett to one of his college jobs, so that plus their need at QB is why I made that link.
Willis’ best comp is Russel Wilson, so I think Carroll just grabs his new version and keeps doing what he’s been doing.
I agree Carolina is interested in Kenny P…. just not at #6
I think Carolina & Detroit will be following the same strategy at qb going early r2.
at 20 the steelers should have whoever they want, sans Malik, who’s prob headed to Seattle.
but just doesn’t seem worth it given the lack of push upfront on both sides on the ball.
really hoping for a big boy like Davonte Wyatt at 20 to help with the Tuitt and Aluanu situation of age/injury
The Steelers are “heavily scouting” but that doesn’t mean they will be heavily investing. I don’t pretend to be a scout but every report i have read or watched says the top guys are graded at about where Trubisky and Haskins were coming in to the league. Why would they spend #20 (or more) for the same junk they have already bought.
I agree big time. they shouldn’t even be considering a QB r1
hoping the thought is to get a look at all these guys incase there’s a luxury QB avail r2 like Corral etc
R1 I’m taking DT or WR all day
Talk about an unflattering photo of his hand.