3 quarterback draft targets for the Steelers after round one

While there is plenty of talk about the potential first-round quarterbacks, there are also options for the Steelers if they decide to go a quarterback after day one of the NFL Draft.

While players such as Malik Willis, Kenny Pickett, Sam Howell, and Matt Corral are getting the majority of the hype among the quarterback prospects this year, there are other options for teams like the Steelers to look into.

The Steelers found their quarterback for this year in Mitch Trubisky, but whether or not he is the long-term answer remains to be seen. The team has plenty of options when it comes to how they what they do at quarterback long-term, and while many think the first round of the draft one of the next two years is the way to go.

The potential to take one on day two or three also exists. The following three quarterbacks could be players the Steelers target if they decide they want to go a quarterback this year, but not in the first round.

Option 1: Desmond Ridder, Cincinnati

Entering the offseason, Desmond Ridder was one of the undisputed top-five quarterbacks in this year’s class, with some having him at 3 or 4. However, leading up to the NFL Scouting Combine, Ridder appeared to be falling down on draft boards, as he was still a top-five quarterback, but he was the consensus number 5. As the fifth-ranked option in a weak quarterback class, it has become an assumption that Ridder will be a second-round selection.

However, Ridder was one of the biggest winners at the NFL Scouting Combine, putting forth a solid showing as a passer, while showing an ability to hit a variety of throws, albeit without defenders. But, it was his 40-yard dash time that likely improved his stock the most, as he ran a 4.52-second 40-yard dash, which led all quarterbacks at the Combine.

Ridder’s speed, combined with his ability to be solid at everything, while not excelling at anything is reminiscent of what Marcus Mariota turned out to be, and he has been a player the team has been linked to this offseason.

His 40-time may have improved his stock, but he still appears destined to be a second-round selection. However, just because he is going in round 2, does not mean that he will make it to the Steelers spot, as there are several teams ahead of the Steelers that need a quarterback including the Lions, Panthers, Seahawks, Commanders, Saints, and potentially others. While a few of them will already have selected a quarterback, some won’t have, and if any have Ridder high on their board with the need still unfilled, it’s very likely they select him.

Whether or not he makes it to the Steelers selection remains to be seen, but if the Steelers are high on him, which is unclear as of now, then the team could move up in round 2 to select him, as they can have filled a major need like an offensive tackle, or cornerback in round 1, while also getting a potential quarterback of the future in the second round.