As the calendar races towards the highly anticipated 2025 NFL Draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers are actively engaged in their pre-draft preparations. This annual selection event represents a significant opportunity for the Steelers to strategically enhance their roster with promising talent capable of contributing to the franchise's success for years to come. The NFL Draft stands out as a monumental occasion on the league's calendar, often considered the most significant weekend of the offseason for the National Football League, generating considerable discussion and excitement among fans and analysts alike.
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The Steelers make a draft selection during the 2024 NFL Draft in Detroit, MI.
Much of the pre-draft chatter revolves around the potential strategies of various NFL teams, the diverse pool of talented players available, and the ultimate destinations of these athletes. One particularly prominent subject of conversation is Shedeur Sanders, the quarterback prospect hailing from the University of Colorado. Recently, Adam Schefter, a well-respected NFL insider, offered his insights during ESPN's NFL Live, providing a projected range within which he anticipates Sanders being selected in the upcoming NFL Draft.
"It certainly feels like his range ... is three to 21, and I don't like the chances of him going nine," Schefter said.
The quarterback position presents a notable area of need for the Steelers, highlighted by the departure of both of their starting quarterbacks from the previous season to other teams. Consequently, the Steelers have been the subject of considerable analysis and speculation, including unconfirmed reports suggesting potential interest in veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers. While the organization and its fanbase keenly await Rodgers' decision, a sense of urgency is growing among Steelers fans to identify viable backup options, as the dwindling time makes Rodgers' acquisition feel increasingly unlikely. With the highly anticipated 2025 NFL Draft rapidly approaching, excitement and anticipation are steadily building for this pivotal event that could shape the Steelers' quarterback room and future.
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Former New York Jets QB Aaron Rodgers throwing a ball in pregame warmups before an away game.
It's worth noting that the Steelers currently hold the 21st overall selection in the upcoming draft. Historically, this draft position typically places them outside the range where top-tier quarterback prospects like Sanders are usually picked. However, Schefter's recent analysis has injected a renewed sense of optimism among some Steelers fans, who have hope that Sanders could potentially become the team's long-sought-after franchise quarterback. Moreover, reports suggest that regardless of Rodgers' ultimate decision regarding a potential signing, the Steelers are committed to utilizing the NFL Draft, either in the present year or the next, as a key pathway to securing their long-term quarterback solution.
The Steelers Are Not Alone In Their Potential Pursuit Of Sanders
Naturally, the Steelers are not alone in their pursuit of a quarterback, nor are they the only team evaluating a talent like Sanders. The third overall pick, a team Schefter mentioned, belongs to the New York Giants. While the Giants initially appeared to be in the market for a quarterback early in the draft, their recent acquisitions of veteran quarterbacks Jameis Winston and former Steelers signal-caller Russell Wilson suggested a shift in their strategy. However, the Giants did host Sanders for a visit recently, indicating that their quarterback plans for the draft remain somewhat uncertain and fluid.
Schefter also identified the New Orleans Saints within the range to Sanders. The Saints currently possess the ninth overall selection; however, according to Schefter's analysis, this might not be as straightforward a match as it appears. Recent reports have surfaced suggesting that Derek Carr, the Saints' current starting quarterback, has sustained a shoulder injury that could potentially sideline him for a portion of the upcoming season. Adding another layer of intrigue, the Saints have also been mentioned as a possible contender for veteran quarterback Rodgers, a player the Steelers are also actively trying to acquire.
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Former New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers looks on before a home game during the 2024 season.
Until official announcements are made, all of this remains speculative. Nevertheless, Rodgers' decision appears poised to significantly influence the Steelers' draft strategy, potentially leading them to de-emphasize the quarterback position in the first round this year. However, should a prospect with the talent of Sanders slide down the draft board to the 21st pick, it would present a considerable challenge for the Steelers to overlook him. It's crucial to remember that when highly-regarded players fall beyond their projected draft slot, it doesn't necessarily indicate a flaw in their abilities or potential. Rather, each NFL team possesses unique positional needs and prioritizes different skill sets within those positions. The draft's dynamic nature also plays a substantial role; for instance, the previous year's draft witnessed an unforeseen run on quarterbacks, with six being selected within the first twelve picks, a scenario no one had predicted beforehand.
Do you think the Steelers are in Sanders' range? If they are, do you want the Steelers to pick him up? Let us know in the comments below!
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