The Pittsburgh Steelers have navigated an active offseason, marked by both new player acquisitions and the departure of familiar faces. Dominating the discourse surrounding the team is the notable vacancy at the starting quarterback position. Veteran signal-caller Aaron Rodgers has emerged as the primary focus of speculation to fill this role, with reports indicating that the Steelers have extended a contract offer and are currently awaiting his decision. However, it has also been suggested that the Steelers' offer to Rodgers is limited to a one-year commitment, signaling the organization's intention to identify and secure their long-term franchise quarterback through the upcoming NFL Draft, either in the selections made this year, or in the following year's draft.
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Steelers' Mike Tomlin greets fans after a win against the Browns in Week 14.
As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches later this month, the Steelers have been actively engaged in the pre-draft process, conducting meetings and evaluations with numerous prospective players. Among these talented individuals is Jalen Milroe, the quarterback from the University of Alabama, whom the Steelers have reportedly met with prior to the upcoming draft.
Recently, Milroe made an appearance on the popular NFL Network program Good Morning Football, where he shared insights into his experiences with the pre-draft visits he has undertaken thus far. Notably, Milroe specifically discussed his impressions and reflections on his visit with the Steelers, offering a glimpse into his interactions and the potential connection he may have formed with the team.
"It was definitely a cool visit," Milroe said with a smile.
Milroe elaborated on his particular experience interacting with Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin. Tomlin is widely known for his genuine enthusiasm and active involvement in the NFL Draft process, often engaging directly with prospective players. This interaction is particularly noteworthy given the current context surrounding the Steelers' front office, which has faced some scrutiny as they maintain a seemingly calm and patient approach while the team's quarterback situation remains unresolved. Despite this external pressure and uncertainty, Milroe conveyed exclusively positive feedback regarding his interactions and overall experience during his visit with Tomlin, suggesting a potentially favorable impression of the Steelers' head coach and the organization's approach.
"Coach Tomlin was chill, laid back," Milroe stated.
Expanding further on his positive visit with the Steelers, Milroe elaborated on the nature of the conversations he engaged in with Tomlin. Milroe specifically highlighted the environment that Tomlin fostered during their interactions, emphasizing his ability to feel increasingly at ease and comfortable throughout their discussions.
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Quarterback Jalen Milroe speaks during his Pro Day at Alabama.
This description implies that Tomlin's communication style and approach created a welcoming atmosphere, enabling Milroe to feel more relaxed and open during the evaluation process, potentially leading to a more genuine and insightful interaction between the two.
"You gotta, you know, be serious the whole conversation. Nah, it was a laid back conversation, and of course you know, we talked ball... we talked game and stuff like that, but it was definitely a more laid back conversation," Milroe shared.
Milroe's projected draft position has fluctuated considerably throughout the evaluation process leading up to the NFL Draft. Accurately predicting where Milroe, and any draft prospect, will ultimately be selected is challenging. This difficulty arises from the fact that each of the 32 NFL teams possesses unique positional needs and evaluates players based on their own specific criteria and desired skill sets.
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University of Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe on the run during a collegiate football game.
Furthermore, the draft itself is often characterized by unpredictable dynamics. A prime example of this volatility occurred in the previous year's first-round, where quarterbacks were selected at a rapid pace, with several signal-callers being chosen significantly earlier than many pre-draft projections had anticipated.
Will The Steelers Draft A Quarterback This Year?
The Steelers possess a unique set of draft selections in the upcoming NFL Draft. Their initial pick falls at the 21st overall position, followed by a significant gap until their third-round selection, a consequence of trading their second-round pick to the Seattle Seahawks to acquire veteran wide receiver DK Metcalf. The Steelers' quarterback situation, however, remains a pressing concern, particularly in the absence of a decision from Rodgers regarding his potential acquisition.
While the most immediate need might appear to be quarterback, the Steelers could still identify their future franchise quarterback with a pick outside the top tier of the draft, and their current draft slots appear to at least align with the projected draft range for a player like Milroe. Given that the Steelers also have other positional needs to address, the team's ultimate draft strategy will remain uncertain until the draft officially commences. Only then will it be revealed how the Steelers intend to utilize their draft capital to balance their immediate needs with their long-term vision for the franchise.
Do you think the Steelers should draft Milroe? Let us know in the comments below!
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