Pittsburgh’s Future QB Is Here: Bold First-Round Projection Sends a Clear Message to the League

Steelers Identify Their Quarterback of the Future in New First-Round Projection

A new NFL draft projection outlines a scenario in which the Pittsburgh Steelers use the No. 21 overall pick to secure a young quarterback — a potential “face of the franchise” for years to come.

A Long-Term Answer at Quarterback

The projection presents this possibility: if one of the top quarterbacks unexpectedly slips past the first three selections, Pittsburgh could be positioned to grab him at 21. The idea is that while the Steelers may feel comfortable with their short-term plan at quarterback, the rookie chosen would be a developmental investment designed for the long haul.

With the team still pursuing Aaron Rodgers — and potentially counting on him as their primary starter next season — the approach makes even more sense. Rodgers could take command of the offense in the present while a younger quarterback develops behind him. If a prospect like Shedeur Sanders remains available at 21, he becomes a highly realistic target for Pittsburgh.

Sanders led Colorado to nine victories last season and is widely viewed as one of the top quarterbacks in the 2025 class. Still, questions linger regarding his long-term consistency and whether he can grow into a dependable full-time starter. Given the Steelers’ ongoing uncertainty under center, a young quarterback with upside could bring both immediate stability and future promise.

Full Steelers Draft Projection (2025)

In addition to quarterback, the projection lays out several picks aimed at reinforcing key areas of the roster:

• Round 3: Tennessee RB — Dylan Sampson

Sampson, the dynamic back from Tennessee, totaled 1,491 yards and 22 touchdowns in 2024. Though compact at 5’8”, approximately 200 pounds, he impressed scouts with a 4.42-second 40-yard dash on his Pro Day.

Jordan Phillips stands out as a young, high-upside defensive lineman. At only 20 years old, he earned the Pat Tillman Award at the Shrine Bowl for leadership, intelligence, and effort. He measured 6’1.5”, 312 pounds at the Combine — the type of interior defender Pittsburgh could groom into a reliable contributor.

Elijah Roberts, the SMU edge rusher, brings proven production: 17.5 sacks over his final two college seasons. He would add rotational value behind T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, and Nick Herbig, giving the Steelers another explosive pass-rush option.

Chimere Dike, projected by some evaluators as a Day 3 sleeper with top-100 talent, offers sharp route-running and deep-threat abilities. His athletic profile — 4.34 40-yard dash, 38.5-inch vertical, 10’08” broad jump — makes him an intriguing later-round addition.

Finally, linebacker Carson Bruener — son of a former Steeler and current team scout — brings solid run-defense tools and special-teams utility, with potential to grow into a bigger role over time.

A Logical Projection with Manageable Risks

Taken together, this projected draft class addresses many of Pittsburgh’s most pressing needs — especially if the team decides to secure a high-upside quarterback for the future. The biggest question mark may be waiting until Round 4 to add help along the defensive line, a position where the Steelers urgently need reinforcements. Still, with prospects like Phillips or Roberts available in the later rounds, the scenario remains both realistic and promising.

If the draft were to unfold this way, there’s reason to believe many Steelers fans would walk away satisfied.