With uncertainty at the quarterback position, it's hard to pinpoint which path the Pittsburgh Steelers could take in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Aaron Rodgers remains the prize, but the status of the 41-year-old quarterback could alter Pittsburgh's draft plans. Those plans could include a wide receiver in Round 1.
On April 7, NFL Network draft expert Daniel Jeremiah joined Kay Adams on Up & Adams to discuss the upcoming NFL Draft. Jeremiah was asked about Rodgers and how his decision impacts what the Steelers could do with the 21st overall pick this year.
While Jeremiah hinted that Pittsburgh could take a quarterback in Round 1 if Rodgers doesn't sign, the prominent draft expert believes the Steelers will pursue a wide receiver to appease Rodgers.
“I just feel like if the Aaron Rodgers thing gets done, which everybody’s kind of expecting it does get done, I think they try and get another player to help him on that side of the ball,” Jeremiah said. “I think, to me, you’re looking at another weapon, whether that’s Emeka Egbuka, someone like that. We'll see if [Tetairoa] McMillan is still there from Arizona. Teams are kind of split all over the map on him."
It wasn't surprising to see Jeremiah link Egbuka in connection with the Steelers. Pittsburgh's brass was at Ohio State's Pro Day, and Egbuka is a no-nonsense player who fits the bill of what they are looking for. But hearing Jeremiah mention Tetairoa McMillan by name was interesting.
The belief is that McMillan will be off the board long before the Steelers are on the clock. But Jeremiah hinted that this might not be the case. Either way, it was interesting that one of the most respected NFL Draft experts with insider connections didn't mention a defensive tackle to Pittsburgh in Round 1—something many fans expect to see on draft day.
“I would think if you’re going to make that commitment and go out on that ledge and do the Aaron Rodgers thing after sitting out on some of these other quarterbacks, Geno Smith and Sam Darnold,” Jeremiah continued. “Man, you’ve got to get somebody that’s going to make that decision look smart.”
If the Steelers end up with Aaron Rodgers, the belief—at least from Jeremiah—is that they will take a wide receiver at pick 21.
Daniel Jeremiah doesn't rule out the Pittsburgh Steelers landing WR Tetairoa McMillan in the 2025 NFL Draft
As we inch closer to the 2025 NFL Draft, opinions are shifting. Now betting odds suggest players like Texas WR Matthew Golden could land as high as the top 10, while Tetairoa McMillan could even slip past pick 20. This would be a stark change from what we saw early in the pre-draft process.
Most talent evaluators view McMillan as the top wide receiver in the class, so sliding all the way to the 21st overall pick feels like a stretch. But if the Steelers sign Rodgers, and McMillan is within reach, how could Pittsburgh say no?
Rodgers' best years as a quarterback came when he had an uber-reliable wide receiver with size and natural ability who could run a full route tree. That receiver was Jordy Nelson. Nelson was Rodgers' security blanket and go-to option in the passing game. In 2014, he racked up over 1,500 yards and 13 touchdowns in 16 games.
Nelson stood at 6'3'' and 217 pounds with 32 1/2'' arms and 10'' hands while possessing 4.51 speed. In comparison, McMillan stands at 6'4'' and 219 pounds with 10'' hands and 4.53 speed. McMillan's playstyle closely resembles Nelson's—making this potential selection even more intriguing.
It's a long shot to think that Tetairoa McMillan will be available to the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first round of the NFL Draft, but crazier things have happened. Daniel Jeremiah seems to believe that it's a possibility, and if Aaron Rodgers signs with the Steelers, a talented wide receiver is on the table.