Not much had been percolating around the Pittsburgh Steelers and the crop of quarterbacks in the 2025 NFL Draft until recently. They have hosted a handful with their pre-draft visits, but they could be available later in the event. Shedeur Sanders popped up on that list of visitors, and the city went into chaos. Many in the NFL world have speculated that Sanders could sink in the first round.
The Browns, Saints, and Giants are the top contenders for the star Colorado signal caller. If none of those clubs select Sanders, he might fall to the Steelers' selection at number 21 overall. Pittsburgh will struggle not to take him if he slips to their top choice. They could use a quarterback, and Sanders has emerged as a possible last-minute candidate.
Steelers general manager Omar Khan and head coach Mike Tomlin remain interested in adding Aaron Rodgers. No matter what happens, it won't affect their draft plans. Their interest in Sanders has heated up over the past couple of weeks.
There should be concerns about the team investing a top pick in a quarterback in this weak crop of rookies when next year has better players.
Pittsburgh Steelers love for Shedeur Sanders at NFL Draft is real
Khan and Tomlin spoke glowingly about the crop of quarterbacks coming out of the NFL Draft. It appears they might've failed to learn their lesson from the Kenny Pickett debacle. Finding a quarterback is difficult, but knowing when to cut bait is worse. If the Steelers are willing to take Sanders and commit to starting him for a year, it could be a wise choice.
Most draft evaluators believe the 2026 draft will have a handful of franchise-altering prospects at the quarterback position. Names like Arch Manning, Drew Allar, and LaNorris Sellers are a couple of headliners who could lead the class. They have plenty to prove, but each would've jumped over Sanders if they were in this draft. Pittsburgh must be careful with this pick.
READ MORE: Steelers prove they can survive taking Shedeur Sanders in 7-round mock draft
Nick Farabaugh of PennLive believes Sanders will be their top pick in the draft.
"Shedeur Sanders. It makes sense. He is falling to them. I don't think the Giants, the Browns, or the Saints are going to take him." Farabaugh went on to explain during his appearance on 93.7 The Fan, "If he gets there (to pick 21), I don't think they are going to pass up on him."
It makes sense for the Steelers to take Sanders, as he would be of tremendous value on paper at the 21st overall pick. Most draft boards have him ranked much higher as a prospect. On the other hand, Pittsburgh should be wary of Sanders and his slide during the top round. The only way to land a franchise quarterback is to take a risk, but this might be too much.
Unless they are 100% sold that Sanders will be their franchise guy, it's safer to wait until the next crop of quarterbacks to try and land a franchise guy. If they decide on Sanders as their future, it could result in another Pickett-like failure. Tomlin and Khan must navigate this situation carefully, as their jobs could be on the line. They like Sanders, but it would be a bold decision.