Once upon a time, it would have seemed absurd to inform Pittsburgh Steelers fans that their team would be looking to select a quarterback in the 2024 draft. Regretfully, it might actually be the case. Mason Rudolph will hit free agency for the second consecutive summer, Mitch Trubisky might be a cap casualty, and Kenny Pickett has not had a great first two years of his career. There might be just one quarterback left on the team from the 2023 53-man roster when the league resumes play in 2024. In free agency, it’s always possible to add a trustworthy backup, although that could not work out.
There, the word “backup” is used ambiguously. In the event that the front office and coaching staff do not believe that Pickett is the team’s quarterback of the future, Pickett might find himself in a competition. This will be a pivotal decision, and once April arrives, there should be no shortage of projectable signal-callers in the draft. Drake Maye and Caleb Williams will be unattainable, but the Steelers may be able to choose any of the remaining players.
The most important choice to be made is when to pursue a quarterback. The question then becomes whether Pittsburgh wants to invest in Pickett’s replacement or take a chance on someone in the mid-to-late rounds. While successful NFL players at the position don’t typically go in the first round, the Brock Purdys of the world certainly don’t grow on trees. After the Steelers’ December, it appears that the former is more likely, and a few intriguing names spring to mind.
1.) LSU’s Jayden Daniels
The year Jayden Daniels spent at Louisiana State University was a career year. He will probably go in the top 10, and if Pittsburgh keeps losing in 2023, they might be able to move up or be selected in that area. As he gets ready to play professional football, the Heisman Trophy winner is staying out of his team’s bowl game to prevent any potential injuries.
In 2023, Daniels had a powerful presence. With just four interceptions, he completed 40 touchdown passes while throwing for more than 3,800 yards. In addition, he scored 10 touchdowns with his legs and gained over 1,100 yards through rushes. He has been likened to Lamar Jackson and possesses the qualities required to be successful in the NFL nowadays. He has an amazing arm and is a fantastic athlete. Though it would be unusual of the Steelers to pursue him, difficult times may lead to desperate actions.
2.) Washington’s Michael Penix Jr.
Coming out of the University of Washington, Michael Penix Jr. is another player with a tonne of experience. Given that he presently projects as an early-to-mid second-round pick, he might be a more practical choice than Daniels. Since his first year at Indiana University as a freshman in 2018, he has been involved in collegiate football. Pittsburgh’s squad is severely lacking in certain areas, and Penix Jr. might be employed if a first-round pick is allocated to a different position.
Throughout the course of his two seasons at Washington, he has passed for over 8,800 yards and 64 passing touchdowns. Given his success since assuming the starting position in 2023, it may also allow Broderick Jones, a left-hander, to continue at right tackle. On the football field, Penix is renowned for his excellent field vision and decision-making skills. He’s undoubtedly someone to watch out for.
3.) Oregon’s Bo Nix
Bo Nix, the quarterback for the University of Oregon, has received mixed evaluations. Many have made the same comments about Pickett in 2022, and he has been compared to Derek Carr. But there’s no denying that he can light up the box score. He threw for 4,145 yards, 40 touchdowns, and just three interceptions throughout his 2023 campaign. After spending three seasons as a player at Auburn, he switched to Oregon and has performed significantly better for the Ducks.
He’ll require an imaginative play-caller, which is something that the Steelers will need to address in the 2024 summer. It is unlikely that he will go to Pittsburgh in the first round unless the Steelers prevail and acquire a pick in the low-to-mid-20s. Even said, if Steeler Nation supports him visiting the Steel City, a swift tumble to the second round is perhaps the more reasonable assumption.
4.) J.J. McCarthy, Michigan
Though he’s presently getting ready for the College Football Playoffs, quarterback J.J. McCarthy will be in high demand in 2024. His passing ability hasn’t been as highlighted as some of the other signal-callers in his draft class because of Michigan’s potent rushing attack. Although he is more of a traditional pocket passer, NFL teams will be drawn to him because of his winning record and time spent learning under quarterback guru Jim Harbaugh.
McCarthy to Pittsburgh is arguably the least logical choice among the four players (apart from Williams and Maye) who may play in the first round. He might also be selected in the second or third round, though, if the team decides they like him throughout the draft process.
Steelers Must Make A Crucial Quarterback Choice
The Steelers may continue to exhibit the steadfast devotion for which they are renowned. A second-stringer could be brought in, and Pickett would play for a whole season under a new offensive coordinator who isn’t Matt Canada. However, considering the demand for quarterbacks in the NFL, selecting one in the later rounds doesn’t make too much sense if that’s not the intention. If the four guys mentioned above are meeting with the Steelers during the selection process, don’t be shocked.
