Who Will Pittsburgh Target With the 21st Pick?
NEWS/STORIES
The NFL draft is only 40 days away meaning it is time to take a look at who the Steelers may take in this year’s draft. Who the steelers choose with the 21st overall pick remains to be determined based on how free agency plays out between now and the draft. Whatever happens with Russell Wilson or Aaron Rodgers will likely have a heavy influence on Omar Khan’s pre-draft plans.
Note: I will be ignoring the possibility of Pittsburgh trading up/back in the draft for the sake of this article.
Quarterback Options
Jaxon Dart - Ole Miss
The 6’2”, 220 pound QB started for Ole Miss for the past three seasons after spending his freshman season at USC where he made three starts. In 2024, Dart was First-team All-SEC, leading the FBS with 10.8 yards per attempt. Dart is a fairly accurate passer who now holds the career record for passing yards at Ole Miss with 10,617 yards.
Quinn Ewers - Texas
The Texas product was named Second-team All-SEC last season. Ewers threw 31 TDs last season, good for 6th in the FBS. Ewers has shown toughness throughout his career. He put together some big performances on the road against Alabama (2023) and Michigan (2024). Ewerers is capable of playing very smoothly and efficiently when he gets into a rhythm.
Will Howard - Ohio State
The 6’4”, 235 pound quarterback is coming off a national title run and knows what it takes to win big games. In 2024, Howard was ranked second in the FBS with a 73.0 completion percentage. He threw for 35 TDs and 10 Ints this past season. Howard is a big quarterback who can consistently deliver the ball with accuracy. As I already mentioned, Howard has experience playing in big moments.
Other (QB) Options- Tyler Shough and Jalen Milroe
Non-quarterback Options
RB Ashton Jeanty - Boise State
In all likelihood, Jeanty is off the board long before the Steelers 21st pick rolls around. Assuming Jeanty is by some chance still on the board, Pittsburgh will want to consider adding the services of the explosive back. Warren has proven himself to Pittsburgh, but the combination of Jeanty and Warren would be a nightmare for opposing defensive coordinators.
DT Walter Nolan - Ole Miss
With the departure of Larry Ogunjobi and Cam Heyward not getting any younger, Pittsburgh may want to consider adding some fresh talent. Enter Walter Nolan. The 6’4” 290 pound Nolan put together a strong season with Ole Miss in 2024. Nolan has three-down value thanks to his ability to perform well against the run and pass. Nolan shows explosiveness and good twitch off the snap.
S Nick Emmanwori - South Carolina
Emmanwori is another prospect who could very likely be off the board before the Steelers pick. He is an elite athlete who ran a 4.38 second 40-yard dash at 6’3 220 pounds. Emmanwori is a versatile safety who could help solidify Pittsburgh’s secondary for many seasons. His combination of size and speed allows him to match up well against tight ends. His length and range allow him to break up pass attempts.
Other Options- WR Emeka Egbuka, DT Kenneth Grant, and CB Benjamin Morrison
A lot could happen between now and the draft that influences Pittsburgh’s plans. There are many different directions Pittsburgh could go including trading up or trading back. Pittsburgh may choose to take the approach of adding who they believe is the best available player rather than targeting positions of need (my approach in this article). These are simply a few names I believe Pittsburgh may be interested in/benefit from.