Potential first round Steelers draft targets post free agency

Steelers could target QB Malik Willis

Unlike the other players on this list, Malik Willis is the least likely player to be available at pick 20 for Pittsburgh. With the quarterback situations around the NFL becoming much clearer, the two teams that the Steelers have to watch out for the most are the Seahawks and the Saints when it comes to Willis.

The Saints could be headed towards a reunion with Jameis Winston, but as for the Seahawks, sitting at ninth overall, Willis makes a ton of sense. With Russell Wilson gone, and Willis having the most upside, he’s been heavily linked to Seattle. The Steelers would likely have to trade up directly ahead of either of these teams if they wanted Willis, but things could change.

After bringing in Trubisky, the Steelers may be less likely to trade up for Willis, but there was clearly interest prior to free agency in the player, so it’s impossible to predict what the team will do. With Trubisky under contract, Willis would have plenty of time to learn the offense and develop while sitting behind Trubisky. Like the other free agent signings this offseason, the signing of Trubisky opened up the possibilities at the quarterback position, as he should slot in as the starter while allowing them to sit someone behind him for a year or two, or wait until next year to select their quarterback.

Despite the signing, it’s undeniable that the quarterback position will be a constant discussion point around the Steelers, and due to the talent of Malik Willis, he will likely be a name that is considered as a potential long-term option for Pittsburgh. Unlike Willis, Kenny Pickett should now be off the Steelers radar due to the addition of Trubisky, since Pickett is more pro-ready but has less upside long term. As for Willis, he has speed, athleticism, and a rocket arm, so while he may not be ready right now, he has high upside, so will be impossible to take off the Steelers radar, due to the sky-high potential at such an important position.

What the Steelers do in the draft remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure, the team has many more options than they did prior to free agency. Filling most of the holes allows the team to truly pick the best player available, rather than reaching for a position of need.