Steelers pre-draft visit with Michael Penix shows they aren't done addressing QB yet

The Pittsburgh Steelers' quarterback room looks more different than anyone could have imagined at this point. When the 2023 season ended, Kenny Pickett and Mitch Trubisky were under contract for 2024 while there were talks of retaining free agent Mason Rudolph.

In a matter of weeks, all three of these quarterbacks were officially off the team and replaced by Russell Wilson, Justin Fields, and Kyle Allen. The Steelers clearly wanted change at the position... and they aren't done yet.

On March 28th, Washington held its Pro Day, and top prospects like WR Rome Odunze, OT Troy Fautanu, and QB Michael Penix Jr. put on a show. The Steelers sent offensive line coach Pat Meyer to scout Fataunu, but Mike Tomlin and Omar Khan were not in attendance.

Historically, this would indicate that Pittsburgh isn't spending a first-round pick on a Washington player when their brass wasn't at the Pro Day, but that doesn't mean they don't have interest in these players.

According to ESPN' Brady Henderson, The Pittsburgh Steelers have a Top 30 pre-draft visit scheduled with Washington QB Michael Penix Jr. Along with Pittsburgh, Penix is scheduled to visit the Giants, Falcons, Raiders, and Broncos.

Michael Penix Jr. could be too good for Steelers to pass up on Day 2

Despite buzz during the 2023 college football season that Michael Penix Jr. could be a first-round pick, that seems very unlikely to happen. The consensus tier gaps separating the top four quarterbacks this year from Penix. However, Penix is slated to be drafted on Day 2.

In college, Penix wasn't known for using his legs and athletic traits to extend the play, but his athleticism drew all the buzz at his Pro Day. Penix was clocked in the range of 4.56 to 4.59 in the 40-ard dash while posting a 36.5'' vertical jump and a 10'5'' broad jump.

Pennix had a long, six-year college career as a plethora of injuries cut his season short in four straight years. In his final two seasons, Penix was able to stay healthy and was one of the most productive quarterbacks in college football. In 2023, he racked up 4,903 passing yards and 36 touchdowns (9.2 adjusted yards per attempt) while finishing second in Heisman voting beyond LSU QB Jayden Daniels.

Despite already revamping the quarterback room with Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, the fact that the Steelers are using a Top 30 pre-draft visit on Michael Penix Jr. shows that the interest is very real. Pittsburgh understands the value of the quarterback position, and they could be willing to strike when the price is right on Day 2 of the 2024 NFL Draft.

Adding Penix to the Steelers' roster would give them a bit of everything. They would have a seasoned veteran who has a Super Bowl ring and has won numerous playoff games (Wilson), a polarizing athlete with unmatched tools (Fields), and a promising developmental QB on a rookie contract (Penix).

Considering the lack of pre-draft meetings with quarterbacks throughout the process, it seems unlikely that the Pittsburgh Steelers will draft a quarterback at all this year. However, Michael Penix Jr. is certainly on the map now that he has earned a Top 30 pre-draft visit.