The Pittsburgh Steelers are in the NFL quarterback carousel once again with both Justin Fields and Russell Wilson poised to hit free agency. Amid a growing belief that only one of the two signal-callers will be on the Steelers roster in 2025, there is speculation about the team taking a quarterback early in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Pittsburgh last drafted a quarterback in 2022, taking Kenny Pickett with the 20th overall pick. It was viewed as a reach at the time, reaching for a signal-caller in a class that was historically weak at the position. A few years later, the 2025 quarterback class is viewed as the worst crop of prospects since Pickett’s class.
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The Steelers won’t have a shot at either of the two surefire first-round picks – Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders – who are both expected to be taken within the first 10 picks. Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart has generated some buzz during the pre-draft process, with some believing he could slide into Round 1. If that’s the case, it appears Pittsburgh won’t be the team that takes him or any other signal-caller for that matter.
According to Sportskeeda‘s Tony Pauline, the Steelers have “told people” this week at the NFL Combine that they’re not impressed with the quarterback prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft. As a result, it’s believed there’s a “slim to none” chance the team uses a first-round pick on the position.
Instead, those familiar with the Steelers’ thinking told Pauline they believe the team will use the 21st overall pick on a lineman. Pittsburgh has needs on both sides of the trenches, especially with offensive tackle Dan Moore likely departing in NFL free agency.
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Given Pittsburgh’s recent investments in the offensive line – Troy Fautanu (20th overall), Zach Frazier (51st overall) and Broderick Jones (14th overall) – drafting an offensive lineman in Round 1 would make some sense. However, left guard Isaac Suemalo has been a very good starter and he’s still under contract for one more year. The team could replace right guard James Daniels, but that starting job might belong to Mason McCormick.
Upgrading the defensive line is a much likelier option. Cameron Heyward is entering his age-36 season and defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi is expected to be a cap casualty. It creates a clear need that should be addressed early, especially given the importance of Pittsburgh’s defense to its success.
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We’ll probably see the Steelers use their first two picks in the 2025 NFL Draft on a wide receiver and defensive lineman. If that happens, Pittsburgh could then either use the 83rd or 122nd overall pick on a quarterback to develop next season.