No matter how you view the Pittsburgh Steelers' current quarterback situation, many can agree that it's tense. After their first preseason action, both Will Howard and Drew Allar showed some warts along the way. Surprisingly, Allar showed more promise despite being a rookie, while Howard had many issues pop up in his game. The tension will continue to rise with that internal competition.
Don't be shocked if the Steelers go after a quarterback in the 2027 NFL Draft when the spring rolls around.
Both Howard and Allar showed some potential during the summer, but neither proved they are clear franchise-worthy prospects. This upcoming draft might be loaded with quarterback talent, and that should be music to Pittsburgh's ears. There are many high-level prospects going into the college football season to keep your eyes on as potential Steelers draft targets.
Projected top quarterback draft targets for the Pittsburgh Steelers to monitor this season
Arch Manning, Texas
Let's get the obvious one out of the way, as Arch Manning is a lock to be the number one pick in the upcoming draft if he lives up to the hype. After some early sputtering in his collegiate career, Manning appears to be turning things around. The Steelers don't have a shot at landing the young quarterback unless they fall far below expectations. He should become the face of a franchise.
Trinidad Chambliss, Ole Miss
He just turned 24 years old, which means that by the time he plays as a rookie, Trinidad Chambliss will be 25. That is old for a quarterback entering the NFL, but he exploded onto the scene last season and should have a terrific follow-up. Other than his age, Chambliss is a player who is electric at the position. He has routinely found ways to make plays on his own and should be in consideration.
CJ Carr, Notre Dame
Maybe he isn't as elite an athlete as other prospects on this list, but CJ Carr is an interesting name to watch going into the season. He is coming off a solid campaign after his first year as Notre Dame's starting quarterback. The Steelers will love his zip on the ball and smarts for the position.
Carr is someone with a lot to prove this campaign, but he could easily shoot up draft boards this year.
Jayden Maiava, USC
You cannot deny the level of athlete Jayden Maiava is, as some of the magical plays he creates are Patrick Mahomes-like. Pittsburgh would love to bring in his explosiveness, but the issue with Maiava has been his ability to create small issues and compile them into massive ones. He must show that he can limit mistakes and be willing to make the smart plays when they are given to him.
Darian Mensah, Miami
After becoming a star player at Tulane, then Duke, Darian Mensah jumped over to Miami to hopefully put his draft stock into better standing. The truth is that being the quarterback at that program can get you into the first-round conversation with a dominant year. Mensah isn't getting talked about enough, but a strong campaign with the Hurricanes could get him towards the top round of the upcoming draft.
Dante Moore, Oregon
Although he could've been one of the top quarterbacks taken if he went into the 2026 draft, Dante Moore decided to return to Oregon. He is a lanky-framed signal caller, but you can see that talent all over the field when he plays. One of the best attributes about Moore has been his ability to run an effective offense similar to NFL concepts.
He should be one of the top selections this spring.
CJ Bailey, North Carolina State
Going from one light-framed quarterback in Moore to another in CJ Bailey. He doesn't play on the most talented team in college football, but you can see Bailey's raw skills on display each week. This will be a massive season for Bailey, as he could be someone in high demand in the transfer portal if he doesn't get to a certain position in draft projections. He is an intriguing player going into the season.
Drew Mestemaker, Oklahoma State
Here is another quarterback who could be on the rise this year after transferring from North Texas to Oklahoma State. The Steelers will probably fall in love with this prospect, as he has almost everything you want in a Mike McCarthy quarterback.
Drew Mestemaker has to prove that he can make an effective jump from lesser competition at North Texas to Oklahoma State before he's labeled a certain way.
LaNorris Sellers, South Carolina
There are few quarterback prospects for the upcoming draft in more need of a bounce-back campaign than LaNorris Sellers. He was a near lock to be a first-round pick going into last college football season, but South Carolina and Sellers struggled. He has all the tools to be a dynamic dual-threat quarterback at the next level, and someone the Steelers should consider bringing in.
Julian Sayin, Ohio State
Unless Ohio State wins the National Championship and Julian Sayin runs away with being the crowned top pick in the draft, he could always stay in school beyond 2027. He will be paid well in NIL as the Buckeyes' quarterback. All Sayin does is run an effective offense and win games as a starter. He might not be the tallest or most athletically gifted, but you cannot deny his numbers.
Demond Williams Jr., Washington
If you think Sayin is a quarterback on the smaller side, then Demond Williams Jr. is even smaller. He has a short and light frame, but the prospect is an electric player with the ball in his hands. Williams's ability to make plays outside of structure is a big factor to monitor this season. The Steelers will love his dynamic abilities, but he must take another step forward this year as a player.
Other quarterbacks to keep an eye on: Sam Leavitt (LSU), Josh Hoover (Indiana), John Mateer (Oklahoma), Rocco Becht (Penn State)
You cannot look past many other quarterbacks in this potential draft class, as any could be on the Steelers' radar going into the season. There are some veteran college quarterbacks who could rise in stock with a strong campaign ahead. All three transfer players - Sam Leavitt, Josh Hoover, and Rocco Becht - are players who could shoot up draft boards with a magnificent season ahead.
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