Steelers 2024 Mock Draft: Pittsburgh land Kenny Pickett's replacement in Round 1
There are tons of rumors surrounding the Pittsburgh Steelers right now about potential upgrades at quarterback. Many believe that the club will add to that positional group either through free agency or possibly the draft. The offseason has just started after the Chiefs won the Super Bowl this past weekend.
Pittsburgh has plenty of holes to fill, but quarterback remains the most important position in football. The Steelers are going to make changes in that group and give Kenny Pickett a fighting chance to retain his starting job next season. It depends on what level of talent the team brings in this offseason to push Pickett and his job so the club can reach more success.
. J.J. McCarthy. player. J.J. McCarthy. Quarterback. 1. 485. . . J.J. McCarthy
Steelers mock draft round 1: J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan
Night one of the NFL Draft rolls around and the Steelers are sitting in a pretty good position when their pick arrives. There are plenty of quality prospects that remain at cornerback, tackle, and center. One thing that happened that the Steelers didn't expect was J.J. McCarthy slipping into their hands. They decide they are comfortable enough with using their top pick on him.
The Michigan product has his name called and the NFL world loves the theatre of the pick. Pickett's days as the starting quarterback are numbered as the rookie could beat him out for the job. McCarthy ran a similar run-first offense in college and won a lot of football games. He should slide into Arthur Smith's offense well.
McCarthy was able to show poise in big moments and the ability to compliment a strong run game with his arm. One of his best qualities is the accuracy and location of his passes. He was one of the most accurate in college football ever since becoming the starter for Michigan. McCarthy will be a first-round pick, and the Steelers did enough homework on him here to feel comfortable enough going with the young prospect.