No matter what the outcome of the Aaron Rodgers saga might be for the Pittsburgh Steelers, expect them to take a quarterback in the draft. Most outlets have reported that if or when Rodgers signs with the Steelers, it will be a one-year contract. If that's true, no one should expect the future Hall of Famer to have a legit shot at being more than a single-season stop-gap for the franchise.
If Pittsburgh is savvy, it should take a quarterback in the NFL draft to learn from the veteran gunslinger. Rodgers has proved he is comfortable mentoring younger players at the position. He tutored Jordan Love in Green Bay and Zach Wilson in New York. Both players had varying outcomes at the Rodgers quarterback school, but the Steelers should have someone learning behind him.
It's not a strong group of quarterbacks in the draft, but they have shown plenty of pre-draft interest.
Pittsburgh Steelers could draft a quarterback after Aaron Rodgers signs
Quinn Ewers, QB, Texas
Things seem bleak regarding a possible union between Quinn Ewers and Pittsburgh at the draft. They haven't shown much pre-draft interest in the Texas product thus far. That could always change, but he is missing a pre-draft visit, unlike many of the other quarterbacks at the top of this class. The young player goes into the NFL as a project player who needs more seasoning.
It was a down season for Ewers as he struggled to stay in the lineup and got outplayed at points by his backup, Arch Manning. The Steelers would be wise to take a flyer on Ewers if he were available in the middle rounds of the NFL draft. He has excellent tools, and Rodgers could help take his game to another level. Ewers would be a gamble, but sitting for a year would do him wonders.
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Jalen Milroe, QB, Alabama
One of the quarterbacks with consistent interest from the Steelers this draft cycle has been Jalen Milroe. Many have compared him to Justin Fields, who Pittsburgh wanted to return, but Fields decided to jet off to New York. If they are desperate to try and replicate a Fields clone in this draft, they must pick Milroe. He has plenty of quality tools to work with, but needs to develop.
How early would be too soon to take Milroe in the draft?
Pittsburgh will lose its mind if Milroe lands with the team in the first round. It would likely be one of the worst picks in recent memory if that happened. While Milroe is a quality prospect, the earliest you could gamble a selection on him would be in the third round. He accepted an invitation to attend the draft in person, which many believe means he will go much higher than expected.
Will Howard, QB, Ohio State
If Rodgers joins the Steelers, taking Will Howard in the middle rounds would be perfect. Pittsburgh had a large contingent at the Ohio State Pro Day for the first time in years. There are plenty of top prospects leaving the Buckeyes program in the draft. Howard is a field general who isn't afraid to allow his weapons to make plays downfield.
Having Rodgers start and Howard battle for the backup spot with Mason Rudolph would be a terrific depth chart. Howard brings a winning attitude and has some mobility to his game. He is not afraid of competition and is coming off a National Championship victory. The Ohio State product would be a nice pick who could become a starter or reliable backup.