Steelers could spring for Jalen Milroe at No. 21 based on recent NFL draft rumor

Mike Moraitis

Steelers could spring for Jalen Milroe at No. 21 based on recent NFL draft rumor image

The Pittsburgh Steelers find themselves in a brutal position, as the team is waiting on Aaron Rodgers to make a decision and doesn't have a starting-caliber quarterback under contract currently.

Regardless of what happens with Rodgers, the Steelers need to add a quarterback in the 2025 NFL draft, as Rodgers will only supply a year or two, even if he signs. Steelers fans love Mason Rudolph, but he is not the answer in any capacity.

The Steelers own the No. 21 pick in this year's draft and have been connected to Shedeur Sanders and Jaxson Dart the most when it comes to quarterbacks, whether that be by sticking and picking or trading up on opening night. However, there could be a scenario in which neither player ends up within their range.

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the feeling is that Sanders could go as high as No. 3 to the New York Giants, or as low as No. 21 to the Steelers, and a team pulling off a trade up in between those spots is possible, also.

When it comes to Dart, Schefter is hearing that the New Orleans Saints are "hot and heavy" for the Ole Miss quarterback but may prefer to take him in Round 2.

One could speculate, however, that perhaps New Orleans won't want to roll the dice and risk missing out on Dart and take him at No. 9, or up to a handful of spots later in a trade back, which would also net New Orleans more draft capital.

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If Cam Ward goes No. 1 and Sanders and Dart go No. 3 and No. 9, respectively, the Steelers will find themselves in a tough spot. After the No. 21 pick, Pittsburgh does not have another selection until No. 83 in the third round, where many believe the team could have a shot at Alabama's Jalen Milroe.

However, Milroe's stock might be in better shape than that. The fact that he was given an invite to attend the opening night of the draft suggests he may be a first-round pick, which could force the Steelers to spring for Milroe at No. 21 if they really want him. At the very least, we don't see him being around for Pittsburgh when they're next on the clock in Round 3.

There have been differing reports on Pittsburgh's level of interest in Milroe, with some suggesting they really like him, and others pumping the brakes on the Steelers' interest in him.

Taking him at No. 21 would be an incredibly risky pick. Milroe will be a project at the next level and guys like that are even more hit-and-miss. But if the Steelers really believe he can be "the guy" for the next decade-plus, they should do it.

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Mike Moraitis

After cutting his teeth with Bleacher Report, Mike Moraitis has covered the Los Angeles Rams and Tennessee Titans for FanSided, and the Titans and New York Giants for USA TODAY Sports Media Group. On top of his duties with Sporting News, Mike is the managing editor and lead writer for Titans Wire.