Analyzing The Pittsburgh Steelers' Focus On NFL Draft Quarterbacks

Luna Greco

4 min read

Post on May 22, 2025

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Historical Analysis of Steelers' Quarterback Drafting

The Steelers' history with drafting quarterbacks is a mixed bag, showcasing both astute selections and significant misses. Examining these past choices offers valuable insight into their current approach.

The Successful Picks

The most iconic example is undoubtedly Terry Bradshaw, drafted first overall in 1970.

• Draft Position: 1st overall
• College Performance: A standout at Louisiana Tech, showcasing a strong arm and mobility.
• NFL Success: Four Super Bowl victories, three Super Bowl MVP awards, and enshrinement in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Bradshaw's impact on the Steelers dynasty is undeniable. He redefined the quarterback position for the era.

While Bradshaw stands out, other successful selections, though perhaps not reaching his legendary status, contributed significantly:

• Ben Roethlisberger (2004, 11th overall): A two-time Super Bowl champion and a future Hall of Famer, Roethlisberger provided stability and leadership for nearly two decades. His late-round selection demonstrates the Steelers’ capacity for finding franchise quarterbacks outside the top picks.

The Misses and Why

Despite the successes, the Steelers' history with drafting quarterbacks also includes significant disappointments. Understanding these failures is crucial.

• Mark Malone (1980, 25th overall): Malone failed to live up to expectations, highlighting the challenges of evaluating quarterback prospects. His struggles underscore the unpredictable nature of the position.
• Kordell Stewart (1993, 1st round supplementary draft): While Stewart played a significant role in the team's success, primarily as a "slash" player, he ultimately never solidified himself as their long-term starting quarterback. This example showcases the importance of aligning a quarterback's skills with the offensive scheme.

These misses weren't simply due to poor scouting. Factors like coaching mismatches, injuries, and the evolving nature of the NFL game all played a role. The importance of accurate evaluation cannot be overstated, especially considering the investment in a franchise quarterback.

The Current Quarterback Situation and Draft Needs

The Steelers currently have Kenny Pickett as their starting quarterback.

Kenny Pickett's Performance and Future

Pickett's rookie season showed flashes of potential, but inconsistency plagued his performance.

• Strengths: Accuracy on short-to-intermediate routes, mobility in the pocket.
• Weaknesses: Deep ball accuracy, decision-making under pressure.

His future hinges on addressing these weaknesses. Improvement in his deep ball accuracy and composure in high-pressure situations will determine if he can develop into a consistent NFL starter and become a franchise quarterback. 2023 will be a pivotal year for Pickett and the Steelers' faith in him as the long-term answer.

The Steelers' Draft Strategy in 2024 and Beyond

The Steelers' draft strategy in the coming years will depend heavily on Pickett's development.

• High Draft Pick: If Pickett struggles, the Steelers could be in position to draft a top quarterback prospect in the first round.
• Mid-to-Late Round: If Pickett shows improvement, they may prioritize other positions or select a quarterback later to groom as a backup or future competitor.

Their draft position, the available quarterback talent, and overall roster needs will significantly impact their decisions. The Steelers are known for their patience but also their willingness to invest in upgrading key positions when necessary.

Factors Influencing the Steelers' Quarterback Draft Decisions

Several factors play a crucial role in shaping the Steelers' approach to drafting quarterbacks.

Coaching Staff and Offensive Scheme

The offensive coordinator's philosophy and the team's offensive scheme are paramount in QB selection.

• Scheme Fit: The Steelers need a quarterback who can execute their offensive system effectively. This requires evaluating a quarterback's skills against the specific demands of the play-calling and offensive line protection.

Front Office Philosophy and Long-Term Vision

The Steelers' front office employs a long-term vision.

• Draft Philosophy: The team has a history of valuing both high-ceiling potential and consistent, reliable players. This is evident in their past drafts, with some high-profile, high-risk selections juxtaposed with mid-to-late-round choices that have proven successful.

This holistic approach ensures long-term stability and competitiveness.

Conclusion

The Pittsburgh Steelers' history with drafting quarterbacks reveals a blend of successes and failures. Kenny Pickett's development will be key to their future. Their draft strategy will depend on his progress, their draft position, and the overall talent pool. The Steelers' commitment to a long-term vision and thorough scouting process is essential, although the unpredictable nature of the quarterback position always adds an element of risk. Accurate evaluation, a cohesive coaching staff, and a clear understanding of the existing offensive system and roster needs are vital for future success in selecting Pittsburgh Steelers Draft Quarterbacks.

The Pittsburgh Steelers’ approach to drafting quarterbacks remains a topic of significant debate among fans and analysts. Continue the conversation by sharing your thoughts on the Steelers’ future quarterback strategy and whether their approach to drafting Pittsburgh Steelers Draft Quarterbacks will yield success. Let's discuss what the next chapter holds for the Black and Gold!