What kind of Quarterback should the Steelers be targeting?
It’s well known that the Steelers are in a conference stacked with quarterbacks who are about as close to Superman as it gets in the NFL. Names like Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen, Joe Burrow, and Patrick Mahomes each bring their own elite traits—ones they’ve had since entering the league and have continued to build on to become the stars they are today. For the Steelers, this means that for the better part of the next decade, they’ll need to go through those four just to have a shot at reaching the Super Bowl.
So, how do you beat quarterbacks like that? To me, there are two paths. The first is the Eagles blueprint: build the best roster in the NFL and pair it with a top-8 quarterback. The second option is to find your own superhero-type quarterback who can go toe-to-toe with those guys from a talent level.
The buzzword surrounding NFL quarterbacks these days is “ceiling.” You often hear, “What is the ceiling of this player?”—and that’s generally determined by the traits a prospect brings to the table. For Josh Allen, his ceiling was viewed as being a top-3 quarterback in the NFL because of his elite arm talent and athleticism. For Joe Burrow, it’s his ability to see the field and throw with capital-A Anticipation that sets him apart.
So who are players with super hero abilities available to the Steelers at this point of the offseason?
Aaron Rodgers used to be one of those guys, but at 41 years old, he isn’t anymore. And right now, there are no known names on the pro market or via trade who possess the kind of elite traits needed to go toe-to-toe with the top quarterbacks in the league.
When I look up and down the class, I see two quarterbacks who possess the traits that could allow them to reach that level one day—if everything clicks in the right situation.
The first name, which already feels like a long shot for the Steelers, is Cam Ward. He’s expected to be the No. 1 overall pick next Thursday, and it’s easy to see why. His arm talent and natural playmaking ability put him in a tier of his own in this class.
So who’s the second name?
Most people will immediately think of Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders or Ole Miss’ Jaxson Dart—two prospects who’ve had formal pre-draft visits with the Steelers. But for me, that second name is Alabama captain Jalen Milroe.
Milroe is a two-year starter who has flashed serious high-end traits—most notably, elite arm velocity and explosive athleticism, both laterally and vertically. He might just be one of the best athletes we’ve seen at the position in recent years, with the ability to erase tackling angles with his speed making him a blur, or he can even run over you with his 6’2″ 225 pound frame.
.@JalenMilroe can do it all at the QB position 😤
(by @FedEx) pic.twitter.com/Z5nggkyPlr
— NFL (@NFL) April 9, 2025
I’m well aware that Jalen Milroe is still very raw from a technical quarterback standpoint. His footwork, accuracy, and ability to process the field all need significant improvement as he transitions to the NFL.
But the faith I have in him stems from the character references that have come out—pointing to him being a natural leader with a magnetic presence in the locker room, as well as possessing a top-tier work ethic to develop his game.
Have spoken to a ton of NFL draft prospects on @gmfb
I’ve come away most impressed with QB Jalen Milroe.
Very sharp. Eager to learn. Kind. Fun.
I loved him. pic.twitter.com/jXrA3ItKuB
— Kyle Brandt (@KyleBrandt) April 11, 2025
We’ve already seen year-over-year growth from Milroe. One key improvement was lowering his pressure-to-sack ratio from the 2023 to 2024 season—an area that was a major issue in his first year as a starter.
Even if there’s only a 10% chance that Milroe reaches his ceiling at the NFL level, that’s the kind of realistic swing I’d be willing to take if I were the Steelers. If you’re not taking a chance on a high-upside guy like him, then the move should be to grab a quarterback on Day 3—someone you view as a potential long-term backup—and kick the can down the road to 2026, when you’ll have another shot at prospects with those superhero-level traits.
What do you guys think, does this plan seem reasonable? Or are there other names out there you think could be that level of player in this class? Let me know below.
a true Pittsburgh Steelers fan, since the 70’s if Jalen Milroe from Alabama or Jaxon Dart from Ole miss drops to the Steelers at 21 that’s great that quarterback can sit and learn while Mason Rudolph is starting at quarterback
If you draft one this year, I want one that they feel is a #1. I don’t want them to waste a pick on a guy they feel has a Mason Rudolph ceiling. Maybe the guy ends up stinking and cannot reliably complete a pass. So, you move on. You have to draft someone that has elite qualities. He might not have them all but if he has none there is no reason to draft that guy right now.
I 100% agree, that’s why I’m in on Milroe
I like Milroe a lot, just not at 21. Unfortunately he isn’t gonna get to the Steelers in the 3rd – so what to do? Use 26 capital to Jump back into the early second seems most local.
I’d feel better about Milroe if he’s paired with a different O.C. I was not impressed with how they used Fields athleticism and skill set, so I don’t have much faith they can take advantage of another very similar guy.
The kid has great intangibles, and I’m on board with taking a flier on him, but you’d likely be heading into 26 not knowing if he can play. So are you taking another QB then?
I would actually like Will Howard. From a little bit of the reading I’ve done this guy to me is a Steeler. He has basically told many folks that he will break down any and every play from his time at Ohio St. By that he means: what the call was, the protection, the read and what coverage the D is using from pre to post snap. Now I can’t think of too many QB’s who will go through much detail, but I ask how can you not take someone like him in the draft?
I’ve seen Ohio St QBs come and go: Look really great in college but have had mixed results in the NFL. Stroud came in and lit up the NFL as a rookie but year 2 was a complete reversal of year 1 and their Hot Shot OC that so many people loved but ended up getting fired and Fields, well what else is there to say. Howard is not like those 2. Virtually no hype or any sort of love and didn’t light the world on fire which in certain cases is a good thing. Is the answer I don’t know I’m hopeful he could be the answer.