2021 Steelers 1st Round NFL Mock Draft: Who the experts are picking

Trey Lance, Quarterback, North Dakota State

Walter Football is one of the top mock draft websites across the spectrum and many look at their site to get the latest projections. Their latest mock draft has the Steelers selecting Lance at pick 24. This is the most puzzling of the three shown so far as the Steelers seem content of taking advantage of Ben Roethlisberger’s remaining seasons.

Lance is a very raw talent and coming out of the best small-school program in college football. If Lance can show a better ability to throw and continue his running dominance, then he will be one of the most dynamic quarterbacks coming out of the draft in years. The rawness is what will scare teams plus the talent he plays against will also be a cause for concern. The Steelers selecting him year will get some differing reactions but it will show that Roethlisberger’s time is almost over and his heir apparent will be the North Dakota State product.

Walter Football broke down the pick saying, “Mason Rudolph has shown no signs that he can be the Steelers’ long-term quarterback. Trey Lance has some nice physical tools, and he’s coming off a huge year in 2019.” The argument is there and especially if Lance can show he can throw the ball as well as he can run it. He is an electric playmaker but quarterback will be a head-scratching pick nonetheless.