NFL insider Bucky Brown’s latest mock draft has Pittsburgh Steelers fans on edge. According to Brown, the Steelers will use the 21st overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft to select Jaxson Dart, the Ole Miss quarterback.
While Dart is a talented and experienced signal-caller, many fans and analysts view this selection as a worst-case scenario for a team that desperately needs a surefire solution at quarterback.
Dart’s collegiate career was nothing short of impressive. He finished with 11,970 passing yards, 81 touchdowns, and extensive starting experience over 45 games. His ability to lead an offensive unit is evident, and he possesses solid arm talent and mobility.
However, despite his accolades, Dart is not considered an elite quarterback prospect.
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The Steelers’ current draft position puts them in a difficult spot. The top-tier quarterbacks in the class—Shedeur Sanders and Cam Ward—are projected to be selected within the first five picks, leaving Pittsburgh to choose from the second-tier group.
This includes Dart, Jalen Milroe, and Will Howard. If the Steelers are determined to draft a quarterback, Dart may be the best remaining option at No. 21.
The Pittsburgh Steelers uncertainty at quarterback is dictatating Jaxson Dart's future
The uncertainty surrounding veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers only complicates the Steelers’ draft strategy. The team has begun negotiations with Rodgers, but the four-time MVP has yet to finalize a decision. The Steelers cannot afford to wait indefinitely, as their window to secure a long-term answer at quarterback is rapidly closing.
Even if Rodgers signs with Pittsburgh, he is not a long-term solution. At best, he would serve as a bridge quarterback for a season or two, meaning the Steelers would still need to invest in a young signal-caller to take over once Rodgers walks away from the game.
While drafting Dart at No. 21 may seem like a reach, he does offer an intriguing upside. He is a capable passer with good mechanics, and under the right staff, he could become a hidden gem. However, relying on Dart to be the future is a risky gamble. One that many Steelers fans are unwilling to take.
Brown believes Dart is the perfect pick for a team without a true starting quarterback, but Pittsburgh’s front office must tread carefully. If they pass on offensive line help or defensive reinforcements in favor of a quarterback who may not be a surefire answer, the selection could be a misstep.
With the draft rapidly approaching, the Steelers must decide whether to invest in a quarterback now or wait for a better opportunity in the future. If Brown’s prediction comes true, Steelers fans may have to brace for an offseason full of frustration and uncertainty.