ESPN analyst has the Pittsburgh Steelers making a Kenny Pickett-sized mistake all over again in brand new 2025 NFL Mock Draft
Kenny Pickett just played in, and won a Super Bowl before T.J. Watt even won a playoff game. An absolute botching of a draft pick, the Pittsburgh Steelers seemingly (and literally according to Art Rooney) haven't learned their lesson about placing rookie QBs in bad offenses. And apparently, neither has Field Yates of ESPN after […]
Kenny Pickett just played in, and won a Super Bowl before T.J. Watt even won a playoff game.
An absolute botching of a draft pick, the Pittsburgh Steelers seemingly (and literally according to Art Rooney) haven't learned their lesson about placing rookie QBs in bad offenses.
And apparently, neither has Field Yates of ESPN after he gave the team a headscarcthing pick in his latest mock draft…
21. Pittsburgh Steelers Jaxson Dart, QB, Ole Miss
Yes, free agents Russell Wilson or Justin Fields could be back. But the Steelers' pedestrian offense has held them back from playoff success in recent seasons, and Dart had a prolific college career. Over the past two seasons, he has 7,633 passing yards, 51 touchdown throws and 11 interceptions. He's a capable thrower to all levels of the field and has enough mobility to operate outside the pocket and on the run. Dart also took advantage of Senior Bowl week with a strong showing in front of Pittsburgh coach Mike Tomlin, who was on the field at each practice.This projection represents a big rise up the board from where Dart currently ranks outside my top 32, but quarterbacks always have a chance to climb given positional value. Keep an eye on Dart here as we get closer to April.
Field Yates, ESPN
Jaxson Dart is a fine QB prospect, and in this economy, has a real chance of going in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
But the Pittsburgh Steelers have no business drafting him.
Being thrust behind the current iteration of the Steelers offensive line and with their pass catchers abd RB questions is a recipe for disaster.
Dart still needs some refinement, and he could greatly benefit from sitting behind a Pro while he cleans up some processing and accuracy issues, all the while getting accustomed to an NFL scheme.
Buy the Steelers don't have that kind of time. T.J. Watt, Minkah Fitzpatrick and Cam Heyward aren't getting any younger. It's why Aaron Rodgers rumors and re-signing Justin Fields are the main talking points as far as the QB situation in Pittsburgh.
If the Steelers could manage to select Dart in round two, than by all means. But for a team who believes they are in win-now mode, whether that's right or wrong, a QB is not the move in round one.
