First-round mock drafts are a staple of NFL draft coverage, and they aren't slowing down with just a few weeks left before the draft officially gets underway. The Pittsburgh Steelers are one of the more difficult teams to mock for, with major needs at several key positions.
Quarterbacks have dominated the conversation in recent weeks, but many still believe that they will handle that position with the eventual signing of Aaron Rodgers.
Even if that does eventually happen, the future of the position is still up in the air. The lack of any plan beyond 2025 has led to many mocks forcing a QB pick, and the latest NFL Network mock draft is no different.
Pittsburgh Steelers select Ole Miss QB Jaxon Dart in NFL Network's latest NFL mock draft
Love it or hate it, the idea of a QB being the Steelers' first pick in the 2025 NFL draft isn't going anywhere. It has been a sore spot for too long now.
Between the Kenny Pickett flop and the lack of urgency as Ben Roethlisberger hurdled towards retirement, the front office's handling of the most important position in sports has been a disaster.
NFL Network's Rhett Lewis seems to think the same, selecting Ole Miss QB Jaxon Dart in his most recent mock draft.
Dart is a polarizing player for a host of reasons. He was very productive for the Rebels, even breaking several school records set by Eli Manning. He has the tools needed to be a starting NFL QB, with a solid arm and above-average athleticism.
The issue, or at least one of them, is the offense he played in during his college career. Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin is a very effective offensive play-caller, but the offense is very simplified and relatively easy for a QB to run.
Dart rarely had to go through his progressions beyond his first or second read, limiting his development. It worked wonders at the collegiate level, but he will need time to adjust to an NFL offense.
His accuracy and overall feel for the game are also very inconsistent. The bottom line is that he is a project, and one that could easily never pan out. Based on the Steelers' track record, I worry he would never develop enough to become a viable starter.