NFL Draft 2024: The Pittsburgh Steelers' Quarterback Conundrum

Felix Dubois

5 min read

Post on May 22, 2025

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Kenny Pickett's 2023 Performance and Future Prospects

Kenny Pickett's 2023 season was a mixed bag. While he showed moments of exceptional play, showcasing his arm strength and mobility, inconsistencies plagued his performance throughout the year. Analyzing his statistics provides a starting point: let's look at his passing yards, touchdowns, interceptions, and completion percentage. A deeper dive into game film reveals both his strengths and weaknesses.

• Strengths: Pickett demonstrated the ability to make throws under pressure, showing good pocket awareness at times and the arm talent to make all the throws. His mobility also added a new dimension to the Steelers' offense.
• Weaknesses: Inconsistent accuracy, particularly on deep throws, and a tendency to hold onto the ball too long in the pocket were recurring issues. He also needs to improve his decision-making in crucial moments of games.
• Future Prospects: Pickett's development will be crucial. The Steelers' coaching staff must work with him to improve his accuracy and decision-making. A strong offseason training program focused on these areas, combined with a more consistent offensive line performance, could significantly impact his performance in 2024. Whether he becomes the long-term answer hinges on his ability to make these improvements.

Evaluating the 2024 NFL Draft Quarterback Class

The 2024 NFL Draft quarterback class is shaping up to be a pivotal one for teams seeking a franchise quarterback. Several college quarterbacks are projected to be selected in the first round, potentially providing the Steelers with a chance to find their next star.

• Top Prospects: [Insert names of top quarterback prospects here, linking to their respective profiles if possible]. We will need to analyze their college statistics, looking at passing yards, touchdowns, interceptions, and completion percentage, to gauge their potential. Equally important will be a thorough analysis of game film to assess their strengths, weaknesses, and overall NFL readiness.
• Draft Rankings and Fits: Draft rankings will fluctuate throughout the pre-draft process, making predictions difficult. However, it is crucial to assess which quarterbacks best fit the Steelers’ offensive system and team needs. Considering factors like arm strength, accuracy, mobility, and leadership qualities will be key in evaluating potential fits.
• Steelers' Draft Capital: The Steelers' draft position will significantly impact their options. A higher pick will give them access to the top prospects, while a lower pick might necessitate a trade-up or focusing on other positions of need.

Alternative Strategies: Free Agency and Trades

While the draft is the most likely route for the Steelers to acquire a quarterback, alternative strategies exist. Free agency and trades offer different avenues to address the position.

• Free Agent Quarterbacks: The free agent market may offer some experienced veterans. However, securing a top-tier free agent quarterback often involves substantial financial commitment, impacting the team's salary cap. [Mention potential free agent quarterbacks and their associated risks/rewards].
• Trades: Trading for an established quarterback is another possibility. This would require the Steelers to give up draft picks or other valuable assets. The cost and potential return on investment must be carefully weighed.
• Veteran vs. Rookie: Each strategy presents unique challenges. A veteran quarterback offers immediate experience but might come with a higher price tag and potentially a shorter timeline for success. A rookie quarterback offers long-term potential but requires more time to develop and may not immediately solve the team's issues.

The Impact of Draft Position on the Steelers' Options

The Steelers' final regular season record directly impacts their draft position, significantly affecting their options in the 2024 NFL Draft.

• Draft Order: A higher draft position significantly increases their chances of selecting a top quarterback prospect.
• Trade-Up Scenarios: If the Steelers want a specific quarterback projected to go earlier, they might need to trade up, surrendering valuable draft picks in the process. This involves a cost-benefit analysis: is the potential benefit of landing a top quarterback worth giving up multiple future draft picks?
• Trading Down: Conversely, the Steelers could trade down to accumulate more draft picks, bolstering other areas of need while potentially still securing a quality quarterback later in the draft.

Conclusion

The Pittsburgh Steelers' quarterback situation is multifaceted, presenting multiple paths forward. Kenny Pickett's performance in 2024, the strength of the 2024 NFL Draft quarterback class, the attractiveness of free agency quarterbacks, and the team's strategic willingness to trade – all will significantly influence their decision. Careful evaluation of all available options is crucial for the Steelers to secure a long-term solution at this vital position. The Steelers' approach to the NFL Draft 2024 will define their future success.

Call to Action: Follow our comprehensive coverage of the NFL Draft 2024 for continuous updates on the Pittsburgh Steelers' quarterback conundrum and their ultimate decision regarding their future under center. Stay tuned for in-depth analysis and detailed breakdowns of the top quarterback prospects and the Steelers' evolving draft strategy.