The Steelers have been consistent with their draft picks, this being the second-straight year they’ve picked 21st overall. At that spot last year, there was a wide range of options the Steelers could go at that pick. Many thought Pittsburgh might take a quarterback, with Shedeur Sanders and Jaxson Dart being the best options.
The Steelers ended up taking Derrick Harmon instead. Sanders wouldn’t end up going until Day 3, but Dart was taken a handful of picks later when the New York Giants traded back up into the end of the first round to grab him.
Nearly a year removed from that draft, Rod Woodson has done some reflection. And he believes Pittsburgh made a mistake by passing on Dart.
“Last year, Rich, they should have took Jaxson Dart. He fell to ’em. It was the best opportunity for them to take a quarterback who has that swag, that can kind of fit into that Steeler mold, and that Steeler culture, and have that standard. And they took the defensive tackle. And they didn’t, and now, what are they looking for? They’re looking for the quarterback of the future,” Woodson said Friday on The Rich Eisen Show.
For starters, it’s hard to be unhappy with the Derrick Harmon selection after his rookie year. He struggled with some injuries, but when he was on the field he made a real impact. The pass-rushing numbers will come with time, but the Steelers were significantly better against the run when he was on the field.
However, Woodson’s not wrong that the Steelers are still looking for their franchise quarterback. And Jaxson Dart looked really promising at times in 2025. Along with Cam Skattebo, the Giants actually had some life on offense last year. Dart threw for 162.3 yards per game, and had 15 touchdowns to five interceptions with a passer rating of 91.7.
It’s only been one year, though. Dart looked promising, but also took a lot of big hits, and the offense slumped at times with him in there. He very well could turn into a great quarterback, but it’s not a guarantee just yet.
Would Steelers fans be more optimistic if they had Dart on the roster right now? Probably. That’s what a talented young quarterback does to a fan base. It’s why many fans want Will Howard to get his opportunity, instead of running it back with Rodgers or another aging quarterback again.
That’s something that could happen, if Rodgers retires. And if the Steelers did regret the decision to pass on Jaxson Dart, they have a chance at Ty Simpson this April. It made some sense not to take Dart at the time. But with each quarterback that shows promise after being passed on by Pittsburgh, it’s only going to sting more until the Steelers finally find their own franchise quarterback.
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