Would the Steelers really consider drafting QB Jalen Milroe in the first round?
We are in the heart of silly season, so experienced fans know to take everything with a grain of salt. Just last year, for example, Adam Schefter reported the Steelers weren’t interested in either Russell Wilson or Justin Fields—then ended up with both. So, what about the report of the Steelers liking QB Jalen Milroe so much they would draft him in the first round?
For starters, this conflicts with earlier reports suggesting that the Steelers weren’t high on Milroe at all. Now they are prepared to use their first-round pick on him, with no second-round pick available? Generally speaking, Milroe isn’t even viewed as a first-round prospect. While quarterback value is inflated in most years, that is less true in years with weak classes.
When the Steelers drafted Kenny Pickett in the first round in 2022, for example, no other quarterback came off the board until the third round. This class isn’t that bad, with Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders likely first-round picks. Some connect the Steelers to Jaxson Dart in the first round, but Jalen Milroe seems unlikely.
It’s worth reminding people of the source of this information. It was Colin Cowherd who claims a “well-connected” NFL executive told him that the Steelers are leaning toward drafting Milroe 21st overall if he is available. And that’s basically the entirety of the conversion we’re currently in.
Should we completely dismiss this report? It’s possible the Steelers changed their evaluation of Milroe over time as they dug deeper into his tape. That would be especially true if Mike Tomlin were driving the interest. Head coaches have less time for evaluation early in the process, so a later shift in organizational thinking might support that idea.
Or it’s all completely nonsense, which is entirely possible. If the Steelers don’t draft Jalen Milroe in the first round, he might frankly remain available until their third-round pick. He is so raw from a quarterback fundamentals perspective that it would be hard to justify. Especially as the Colts bring in Daniel Jones to compete with Anthony Richardson, a recent first-round roll of the dice.
The Steelers’ 2024 season has come to its predictably inauspicious end, with yet another one-and-done postseason for HC Mike Tomlin. The offense faltered, and the defense matched it blow for blow, leading to a 21-0 first-half deficit.
Just like last year, the biggest question hanging over the Steelers isthe quarterback question. There areother major decisions to make, such as what to do with George Pickens. Do you sign him to an extension, try to trade him, or let him play out his rookie contract?
The Steelers started the 2024 season 10-3, with Mike Tomlin in the Coach of the Year conversation. Wash, rinse, and repeat, and we have another late-season collapse. This may be the worst yet, a four-game losing streak presaging a one-and-done playoff “run”. Welcome to Steelers football.
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