The Pittsburgh Steelers are in the process of wrapping up their pre-draft evaluations, and there are a lot of questions that fans have. The team does need a quarterback, but there may not be a starting-caliber option after the first overall pick. They are obviously very interested in running back, but when would be the right time to pick one? For many fans and maybe the team itself, draft day cannot come fast enough. The only way to find out what the future holds is to watch the first round on Thursday night.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers General Manager Omar Khan (left) and Head Coach Mike Tomlin (right) sit in the franchise's draft room as they anxiously watch the board in 2023.
While making an appearance on 93.7 The Fan, draft analyst Tony Pauline was asked about what the Steelers would most likely do in the first round.
"It seems like Mike Tomlin is in favor of selecting Shedeur Sanders," said Pauline. "Likes him personally, thinks he's got some upside... right now, I think Sheduer Sanders is a very good bet to be their selection at 21."
Shedeur Sanders was originally seen as a slam-dunk top three pick, but he has been falling down draft boards hard to the point where many think it's reasonable that he at least makes it to Pittsburgh's pick. What was once seen as a pipe dream appears to now be the most likely scenario with how insiders, analysts, and the media speak about it.
David Zalubowski / Associated Press
Former University of Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders looking downfield for a receiver.
Sanders has been falling for a few reasons. One of them is his lack of high-end athleticism giving him a low ceiling. There does not appear to be much of a break-out ability for him, as he is not the fastest guy and he does not have the strongest arm. However, in a weak quarterback class, every option is usually seen in a brighter light. In fact, Pauline mentioned that and said that he is an overrated prospect.
"Shedeur Sanders is falling down draft boards in large part because people think he's a good prospect, but he's not a great prospect," said Pauline. "He's not a prospect that deserves to be a top 10 selection, and there are better players in this draft... he reminds me of prospects that are being overrated simply because they're quarterbacks. There's so much conversation about him because he's a quarterback, also his last name is Sanders. If his name was Tony Pauline and he played the way he did, we wouldn't be sucking thus much oxygen out of the room."
Typically, teams are not happy with getting a "good" prospect in the first round. That's where you want to find a player that can be a key contributor for your team for the next decade. Does Sanders really have that ability to lead a team and be the reason that they go far in the playoffs? Most teams don't think so, but the Steelers may think otherwise.
Sporting News Photos
Former Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders holds up his wrist in celebration after a big win.
Sanders and Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin reportedly had a great pre-draft meeting, which led to all these rumors in the first place. If Tomlin thinks everyone else is wrong about the young prospect, he could be convicted enough to try and convince General Manager Omar Khan to make that call.
Steelers Could Be Repeating A Crucial Mistake
In 2022, the Steelers did the exact same thing. They were desperate for a quarterback in a draft that was very low on talent in that position. Because of that, they took a reach on a high-floor low-ceiling prospect in Kenny Pickett, and the rest is history. He never developed in a very stubborn offensive scheme, and he got upset about not being the default starter in 2024, which led to him being traded.
Taking Sanders may signify that the Steelers have not learned their lesson about reaching and being desperate to fill in a need.
What do you think about the Steelers drafting Sanders at Pick 21? Let us know in the comments or on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.
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