It’s Wednesday, which means it’s time for a weekly Steelers links roundup at BTSC. But first, let’s take a look around the AFC North:
Now, onto some Steelers news and discussion:
([From SI’s Jacob Punturi](http://Jacob Punturi)): The latest example of that was former offensive lineman Derwin Gray. In a recent interview on The Katie Black Show, Gray said the Steelers are far and away the best organization he has ever played for.
“Pittsburgh was the best team I ever played for. And it still is today,” he said. “Pittsburgh is the best organization. It had a lot of veteran people there. When I say veteran, not just veterans on the field, but veterans off the field. They took care of their bodies. The way they treated their wives.”
Gray was drafted by the Steelers in the seventh round of 2019. He bounced around the league for four years and most recently played in the Canadian Football League.
(From Yahoo Sports’ Frank Schwab): And the Steelers wait. And hope that a soon-to-be 43-year-old quarterback decides to return.
Which is a problem too. The Steelers are holding up their offseason when it comes to quarterback, for a player who was solid last season and certainly good for a QB his age, but is almost certainly going to decline to some degree. Quarterbacks entering their mid-40s don’t get better. And Pittsburgh had another season fans have grown tired of, being barely good enough to make the playoffs and then getting blown out on wild-card weekend. The Steelers have improved the rest of the roster in the offseason but the ceiling with Rodgers is still likely just a record barely above .500 and a quick playoff exit.
A national opinion that echoes what quite a few Steelers fans already believe — even if Rodgers and the team are more in touch than the public may realize, there are still questionable aspects of Pittsburgh’s quarterback strategy in 2026.
(From PennLive’s Nick Farabaugh): “One of the most challenging moments of my life to be released by the Pittsburgh Steelers,” (Myron) Rolle said on the Ross Tucker Podcast. “And be told by their GM, ‘You’re playing well, but we’re not worried about you, Rolle. You can go on and be president one day. You can go on and be a doctor. You’re going to be fine. You don’t need football.’ I’m like, I’m here grinding like these guys. And I’m playing well. That’s not a really good reason to let someone go. And then, don’t patronize them by saying you’re going to be fine in your other career.”
The article notes that Rolle did go on to be a neurosurgeon. The former sixth-round pick spent time with both the Titans and Steelers.
(From the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s Matt Press): Rozelle got a kick out of the idea and obliged, and in 1976, the Steelers selected the inaugural Mr. Irrelevant — Pick No. 487, wide receiver Kelvin Kirk from the University of Dayton.
Salata immediately got to planning Irrelevant Week, which took place from June 21-25. There would be a cocktail party at the Balboa Bay Club (of which Salata was the commodore), a parade in the streets of town, a day at Disneyland and a visit to “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.”
Another great feature from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Did you know the famous NFL Draft tradition of Mr. Irrelevant kicked off with a Steelers selection?
Neither Proctor nor Lance have been linked to the Steelers much this draft cycle, but both could fit positions of need and should definitely be on fans’ radar. Proctor is probably a guard in the NFL (which the Steelers need), but as Edholm notes, he can certainly fill in at tackle as well (where the Steelers could also have a need). Lance’s small-school experience is a concern, but his potential is undeniable (9.94 RAS).
What are the Steelers’ ideal picks?
Following Edholm’s two-round exercise, I’d probably put my votes towards either Penn State guard Olaivavega Ioane or a top wide receiver such as Jordyn Tyson as my top choice in the first round. I can get talked into offensive tackle Max Iheanachor from Arizona State, as well.
For the second, one of the top guards — Chase Bisontis or Keylan Rutledge could be available — would be my top choice if Ioane isn’t the pick in the first. If not, my second round short list would include defensive linemen Lee Hunter and Caleb Banks, cornerback Chris Johnson (if he drops), safety A.J. Haulcy, and wide receiver Germie Bernard.
Who are your “ideal picks” for the Steelers’ top two selections? Join the BTSC community and let us know in the comments!