2025 NFL Mock Draft has Steelers selecting lightning rod QB to replace Russell Wilson

The Pittsburgh Steelers have, to be generous, an unsettled quarterback situation at the moment. While Justin Fields has won his first two games as the starter, he has not proven that he is both better than veteran Russell Wilson and a viable option for Mike Tomlin to lean on heading into the future.

As such, the Steelers should be considered a possible quarterback-needy team in the 2025 NFL Draft until circumstances change. Pittsburgh will have their pick of a few promising signal-callers if they decide to go down this route, and some believe the Steelers will opt for the biggest, flashiest name out there.

In CBS Sports' most recent 2025 NFL Mock Draft, the Steelers, picking No. 15 overall, are selecting Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders. Sanders is the fourth quarterback off the board in this mock, as Georgia's Carson Beck, USC's Miller Moss, and Miami's Cam Ward were ahead of him.

While the brash Sanders has been in the spotlight for the wrong reasons lately, namely criticizing his teammates and displaying questionable leadership, going to a coach like Mike Tomlin could help the Steelers get the most out of a player with all the talent in the world.

CBS Sports 2025 NFL Mock Draft has Steelers drafting Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders

Sanders plays the position like the son of an NFL Hall of Famer and college head coach. His processing skills are solid, as is his accuracy on intermediate and deep throws. Colorado's offense asks Sanders to do a lot pre-snap and post-snap, and he often excels.

The flaws are noticeable, however. While his offensive line is below average, he has a bad habit of holding the ball too long. While a solid athlete, Sanders has shown iffy escapability and playmaking out of structure. His arm strength is good, but Fields likely has a better one.

Sanders' landing spot will be critical. Not only will he need to go to a coach who can help him become a leader when separated from his father, but he will also need to go somewhere that won't throw him to the wolves with a bad offensive line early in his career.

The Steelers will need to wait a few more weeks and get a glimpse of Wilson in action before they arrive at the quarterback decision. However, if they do choose to end up going down that road once again, Sanders may have the highest ceiling of any player in this class.