As the Pittsburgh Steelers approach the NFL Draft, they'll do so without a formidable starting quarterback, regardless of how much confidence head coach Mike Tomlin exudes about the position.
For now, veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers is the frontrunner to fill that void. He has visited the facility, worked out with receiver DK Metcalf, and seen virtually all of his other options come off the board earlier in free agency.
That doesn't necessarily preclude Pittsburgh from taking a quarterback, and if a deal doesn't get done, the team would feel even more pressure to add a quarterback in the 2025 NFL Draft. Out of range for Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders, there's been a flurry of speculation for Day 2 passers for Mississippi's Jaxson Dart and Alabama's Jalen Milroe.
Without a second-round pick, though, the Steelers may feel extra pressure to land their preferred passer. Subsequently, they reach for a quarterback in the following three-round mock draft, made using Pro Football and Sports Network's mock draft simulator.
Round 1, Pick 21: Mississippi Quarterback Jaxson Dart
Reaching for a Day 2 prospect isn't a strong process, but it doesn't mean Dart won't work out; and at some point, Pittsburgh is going to have to give a young passer the reins. That would be accelerated without Rodgers, with Dart pushing Mason Rudolph for playing time rather quickly.
There would be several reasons to be excited about Dart, largely revolving around quality arm talent, a willingness to weaponize his athleticism, and flashes of nuanced pocket movement. However, transitioning from Lane Kiffin's offense to Arthur Smith's should be bumpy, and there may be similar constraints put on the offense like there was with Justin Fields under center for six weeks in 2024.
With the potential to change the franchise's fortunes, this would be a selection that earns the Steelers criticism at the time. If it works out, few will worry about April's draft capital.
Related: NFL Draft's Deepest Positions Help Steelers
Round 3, Pick 83: Texas Defensive Tackle Alfred Collins
At 6-6, 330 pounds, Collins likely isn't moving off of nose tackle anytime soon. But Pittsburgh needs help defending the run and Patrick Queen, Payton Wilson, and Malik Harrison have the linebacking jobs locked down. That leaves the defensive line to find reinforcements, and Collins undoubtedly makes it a stronger unit.
Collins is a powerful presence built to dismantle double teams and free up the explosive linebackers behind him. He'll likely find most of his work on early downs, especially in run-heavy situations.
Yet, there's meat left on the bone of his power rushes, and if he can tap into that as he transitions to the league, he can quickly make good on his draft capital and become a well-rounded contributor up front.
Related: How Will Steelers Use Only Early Pick?
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This story was originally published March 31, 2025 at 6:10 PM.