The Pittsburgh Steelers are currently in a state of excitement as the 2025 NFL Draft takes place later this month. The Steelers have been a big topic of conversation for weeks now due to the variety of different ways the team could go in round one. Pittsburgh is taking a close look at their team right now, figuring out what's best, specifically with the quarterback position.
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Steelers General Manager Omar Khan speaks to members of the media during a press conference at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, IN.
Across various media platforms and online discussions, people are actively sharing their perspectives and predictions regarding the Steelers' approach to the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft. Among these voices offering their expert opinions is prominent NFL insider Adam Schefter. In a recent segment on The Adam Schefter Podcast, Schefter specifically addressed the Steelers' coveted first-round draft selection, which currently stands at the 21st overall pick. During his commentary, Schefter highlighted one particularly talented and highly regarded prospect who he believes possesses a realistic possibility of still being available when the Steelers are on the clock at pick number 21, potentially falling into their lap.
The prospect in question is Shedeur Sanders, the talented quarterback from the University of Colorado. Schefter shared what he thinks is the two most plausible scenarios or potential outcomes for Sanders' draft position.
"Nine New Orleans (Saints), 21 Pittsburgh (Steelers). Those are the two scenarios in my mind, that are most plausible right now," Schefter said.
The Steelers currently have a notable vacancy at the starting quarterback position, a situation that has understandably sparked numerous rumors and discussions throughout the offseason. While the potential acquisition of veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers has prominently occupied the forefront of these speculations, it's being reported that the proposed deal to the four-time NFL MVP is for only one year. Rodgers, who at the age of 41 holds the title of being the oldest active player currently in the NFL, appears to be towards the end of his remarkably successful and highly decorated professional career.
Besides the talk about Rodgers, many reports say the Steelers are also focused on finding their quarterback for the long run. They hope to pick this player in either the draft happening this year, or the one next year. With these reports in mind, and the idea that Sanders' draft value might be going down, the Steelers could have a chance to get him.
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Aaron Rodgers stands with Mike Tomlin before a game while he was the quarterback for the Green Bay Packers.
Sanders has been a highly talked about prospect. He is the son of Deion Sanders, nicknamed "Prime Time" and now often referred to as "Coach Prime," who is a prominent figure known for his exceptional athleticism in the NFL. He was a Hall of Fame cornerback who played for several NFL teams, winning two Super Bowl titles and earning multiple Pro Bowl and All-Pro selections. He was also named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 1994. After his playing career, he transitioned to coaching, currently at the University of Colorado, where he has gained significant attention for his impact on the program. The younger Sanders put together an impressive college season last year, throwing for over 4,000 yards and 37 touchdowns. Notably, he led his conference in both of these significant statistical categories.
Furthermore, his dominance extended to several other key passing metrics, as he also topped the conference in passes completed, pass attempts, completion percentage, the average yards gained per pass attempt, and his overall passing efficiency rating. Sanders' career completion percentage stands as an all-time record for the FBS (Football Bowl Subdivision), which is the highest level of Division I college football.
The Steelers' Current Draft Picks
The Steelers' draft strategy is made more complex by the unique set of picks they currently hold. Notably, they are missing a second-round selection due to the trade that brought veteran wide receiver DK Metcalf to the team. Although Metcalf is expected to be a valuable addition to their receiving corps, not having a second-round pick is still a considerable disadvantage in the draft. There have been reports suggesting the Steelers might be looking to trade back into the second-round, and one way they could potentially do this is by leveraging their first-round pick.
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Steelers' DK Metcalf looks on before a game in the 2020 season with the Seattle Seahawks.
As it stands today, the Steelers' current draft capital includes the 21st overall pick in the first-round, the 83rd overall pick in the third-round, the 123rd overall pick in the fourth-round, the 156th overall pick in the fifth-round, the 185th overall pick in the sixth-round (acquired from the Seattle Seahawks as part of the Metcalf trade), and the 229th overall pick in the seventh-round.
What do you think the Steelers are going to do at the 2025 NFL Draft? Let us know in the comments below!
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