One thing that consistently rings true regarding the Pittsburgh Steelers’ draft plans is their intention to select a quarterback. The team appears eager to address the position sometime between rounds three and five, depending on how the board falls. They have hosted numerous quarterbacks for pre-draft visits and continue to expand their list of options by adding yet another prospect.
According to Bo Marchionte, the Steelers are set to host Arkansas quarterback Taylen Green for a visit.
This is notable news when examining Pittsburgh’s draft history under general manager Omar Khan. While missing a visit is not a deal breaker for a prospect, it can significantly reduce their chances of being selected. The majority of Khan’s draft picks have either visited the team facility or had Steelers personnel attend their pro day.
Green will join two other quarterbacks who have already spent time with the Steelers on pre-draft visits. Those signal callers are Cole Payton and Carson Beck. With Green now added to the mix, it appears increasingly likely that the team will select one of these prospects. It would also come as no surprise if additional gunslingers are added to the Steelers’ pre-draft visit list in the coming weeks.
Pittsburgh Steelers facing bold decision by hosting QB Taylen Green for pre-draft visit
Green is quickly emerging as a rising prospect in the eyes of NFL scouts as the draft approaches. He is the type of player who could cause problems for NFL decision makers if his evaluation is not handled carefully. The athletic Arkansas quarterback stood out at the NFL Combine and showed noticeable improvement during the Senior Bowl.
While this year’s quarterback class is not viewed as particularly strong, Green is benefiting from his recent ascent within a relatively thin group of prospects.
His testing numbers ranked among the best we have seen from a quarterback in several years. He posted a 4.36-second 40-yard dash, a time that surpassed most wide receivers in attendance. Green is a rare athlete in the best possible sense, and that level of explosiveness is bound to intrigue at least one team on draft day. One of those teams is expected to be the Steelers.
As long as they do not overdraft him, Pittsburgh should have a genuine interest in Green. The team hired Mike McCarthy as head coach in part to help develop a long-term quarterback once Aaron Rodgers moves on. Will Howard could ultimately become that player, but it is clear the Steelers are eager to continue adding depth at the position.
It could be wise for Pittsburgh to gamble on a project player with the kind of upside Green possesses.
Green offers a high ceiling, though his floor could ultimately result in a wasted pick if he fails to develop. While he has all the physical tools necessary to become a franchise quarterback, the odds of him reaching that level remain slim. Selecting him in the fourth round or later could represent a relatively safe bet for the Steelers.