Steelers Land Highly-Touted Colorado QB in Latest Mock Draft
With the Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback situation in limbo for the 2025 season, steam is starting to pick up that the Steelers could land highly-touted Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders in the first round. That’s if Sanders drops in the draft, however. Todd McShay thinks the Cleveland Browns are in play for Sanders at No. 2 overall.
Ryan McCrystal of Sharp Football has Sanders falling to the Steelers at 21st overall in his latest mock draft.
“This didn’t look like a possibility early in the draft process, but Pittsburgh is still without a quarterback. And as the veterans land elsewhere, the odds of Shedeur Sanders falling down the board increase,” McCrystal said. “Ole Miss’ Jaxson Dart is also a possibility since we know Pittsburgh isn’t above reaching for a quarterback out of desperation (see: Pickett, Kenny).”
McCrystal thinks edge rusher, wide receiver, cornerback and offensive line are positions that the Steelers could consider at 21st overall, as well. The Steelers agreed to terms with veteran defensive tackle Daniel Ekuale on Sunday night, but D-line is still a big need for Pittsburgh.
McCrystal has the Steelers selecting Sanders over Michigan defensive tackle Kenneth Grant, who went to the Los Angeles Chargers at 22nd overall in the mock .
“The addition of DK Metcalf greatly reduces the odds of a receiver selection. However, if Russell Wilson or Aaron Rodgers are at quarterback, the only way to win will be to surround them with elite talent. Ohio State’s Emeka Egbuka would be an obvious target for his ability to step right into a role in the slot,” McCrystal said about the Steelers possibly selecting a wide receiver at No. 21.
He also thinks cornerback is not as urgent now with the signing of veteran Darius Slay. Slay is 34 years old, howeve.r
“The addition of Darius Slay makes this less of a desperate need, but he’s only on a one-year contract. Texas’ Jahdae Barron and Michigan’s Will Johnson are likely on their radar,” McCrystal wrote.
In his latest mock draft, Ryan Fowler of The Draft Network also predicted that the Steelers will land Sanders at No. 21.
“With Russell Wilson visiting teams in free agency, Justin Fields now in Jets green, and Kyle Allen on the open market, Pittsburgh doesn’t have a QB on the roster aside from Mason Rudolph,” Fowler wrote. “Enter Shedeur Sanders, who would arrive with immense talent around him in George Pickens, Pat Freiermuth, and the recently acquired DK Metcalf. While it could also be a major clash of personalities, a bunch of alphas in the same offense is the type of group I’d want to go to war with each and every Sunday. Positive correlating surroundings are as important to a young QB as anything, and Pittsburgh has some pieces in place.”
Sanders’ dad and head coach at Colorado, Hall of Fame cornerback Deion Sanders, expects all 32 NFL teams to be at Colorado’s Pro Day on April 4. Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter will also be a top attraction for NFL clubs. The WR/CB is expected to be a top-5 pick.
“We should have all 32 teams in attendance because we got that many players that can flat-out play the game,” Deion Sanders said during a press conference Monday.
Given the Steelers quarterback situation, Sanders could be an intriguing option for Omar Khan and Co. if he slides in the draft. Coach Prime’s son coming to Pittsburgh would certainly garner national attention.