Steelers Likely To Pick A Quarterback Fans Absolutely Don’t Want In 2025 NFL Draft: "Late Five, Early Six [Round]"

The Pittsburgh Steelers surprised many people by not drafting a quarterback in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, even if it was the right decision. Considering the fact that they don't have a pick in the second round, it is very likely that they will miss out on plenty of other passer prospects before they can make a selection again. On top of that, they still want to draft a running back, and they could always double up on defensive line -- especially with the focus that the front office puts on building the trenches. 

While making an appearance on 93.7 The Fan, Mark Kaboly was asked about the quarterback situation, and who the team would likely draft. His pick was a guy that nobody was exactly high on.

"You're not going to like this one," said Kaboly. "It's a guy that a lot of people probably think is not very good, and I might have to agree. You might have to say, 'Keep an eye on Riley Leonard.' You might want to keep an eye, but obviously, a lot of things have to fall to get to that point, but [the Steelers] might like him."

While Riley Leonard did lead the Notre Dame Fighting Irish to National Championship Game, there are lots of questions about his ability to throw the football. He is a lot more of a runner than a passer, so it is somewhat surprising that he is entering the draft as a quarterback in the first place. Either way, his projections do not look good for his chances in the NFL. 

Chris Mueller brought up the fact that in the National Championship Game, Notre Dame was getting blown out, and they only made it somewhat close because they benched Leonard in favor of his backup, "who could actually throw the ball forward." If he couldn't throw the ball well at the college level, it's hard to imagine that he could do it at the NFL level.

Of course, the Steelers won't make that pick in the third round, as Kaboly mentions, but it is still an odd choice. He was asked about when the Steelers would take Leonard.

"Sixth [round], maybe. Late five, early six," said Kaboly

Obviously, NFL teams never expect sixth-round quarterbacks to be their future. If the Steelers do make this pick, they would try and develop him as a backup. Maybe they make that pick because they want to focus on other positions, or all the players they do like get taken elsewhere (or a little bit of both). Kaboly did mention that the Steelers have no interest in Will Howard, so they could pass on him, even if they haven't drafted a signal-caller by the fourth round. 

Steelers May Have Other Uses For Leonard

The Steelers have experimented with moving quarterbacks into other roles during the 2024 training camp. It would not be beyond them to see what he can do in other roles, so that could influence their decision to use a late pick on him. It doesn't matter where he can contribute, as long as he has a positive impact on the team. 

Throughout the 2024 Organized Team Activities (OTAs), training camp and even preseason games, they had undrafted quarterback John Rhys Plumlee working out as a return man. He even had a few practice reps at wide receiver, and he took some snaps at quarterback in the team's preseason finale. Unfortunately, it was not enough to make the 53-man roster. 

However, the Steelers' quarterback room was set in stone before training camp that year. In 2025, however, there are endless questions about who will be the starter and where everyone would be on the depth chart. That would give Leonard more of an opportunity to make his presence known and survive roster cutdown day.

What do you think about the Steelers drafting Leonard? Let us know in the comments or on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.

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