Great insight by Cousins

Not enough players speak the truth at the podium anymore. Most use the art of saying nothing by saying garbage that's forgettable. Cousins let it all out there.

 

Oh I bet your last paragraph will be highly popular next year

 

After a true QB competition and a 4 year window

 

Posters will not want any quarterback to sit

We had people who wanted Howard to start immediately after coming off IR having never taken a first team snap even in practice

And if we take a QB round one people will want him to start game one

All of the above is foolish but there are a lot of foolish people

 

Depends on where we pick and who is available

But I certainly will not be the least bit surprised if our first pick is not a QB

And half or more of this board will melt down

I certainly do not expect Omar to waste the extra draft picks this year reaching let alone giving up next year’s #1 for anyone

 

LG DL LB DB

Get a LG and the OL is set for years

Get a DL and the DL could be set for years

Always can use LBs

Get a DB and @S.T.D will want 4 more

Fill in those blanks and even an average QB will make the team a contender

 

LoL.
Only two more.

 

Agreed.


If anything, Pittsburgh needs to add more to the Roster before even thinking about a QB. I am with @Blast Furnace that taking Drew Allar would be ideal given how much Pittsburgh showed interest in him (six total times scouts showed up to Penn State Games this Season) but I also agree with the fact that, despite how much he has started, he still has some ways to go. Thankfully, many of the problems he has can be fixed. Confidence though?! Good question there. I still believe he would thrive in a Play Action Heavy Offensive Scheme (hint hint) but he will need to be fine tuned towards the nuances of the game.


Now, as for who I would pick in Round 1?! Most say WR but unless the Steelers show significant interest in someone like Makai Lemon from USC or even Denzel Boston from Washington, I don't see that position being in play. For me?! Here are my too early players that I would target in Round One given the information available.

1. Vega Ioane: Very, very unusual to have a Guard here in Round One. Even more unusual given the fact that Guards usually don't go in Round One (thought 2024 and this season where rarities). Reason I currently have Vega as the number one option is that he is built for the Zone Blocking Scheme. Built like a Battleship as well. Very good recovery speed and reactional athleticism. His leverage woes and inconsistencies in Pass Protection are some of his greatest deficiencies but beyond that?! He is as plug 'n' play as one is going to get. Isaac Seumalo's age, recent injury history and contract (set to expire next year) suggests that he likely isn't long for the Steelers.
   
   
2. Peter Woods: More of a "Dream Scenario" pick than anything for I don't believe he will last that long. Biggest reason I have him here is of two parts. One, Cameron Heyward could very well be playing his last season. Even if he isn't, he sure as hell isn't getting any younger. Moreover to the point in point number two, Keeanu Benton hasn't developed well enough and could be on his way out. To that end, why not nab a quasi-generational Nose Tackle that has the ridiculously rare but unbelievably valuable trait of playing all three downs?! The main argument against his pass rush would be the lack of production; something I counter with by saying that Clemson's Defense asks their IDLs to do some... very weird stuff in terms of pass rush.
   
   
3. Avieon Terrell: Not the prototype level Cornerback that the team usually prides itself on. That said, he is one of the most complete players in the entire class. The team might have something in Asante Samuel Jr and James Pierre but it never hurts to add more pedigree to a Cornerback Room that is in dire need of both youth and speed. Terrell provides both and can play in whatever scheme he is asked. Best of all?! Say hello to one of the best man coverage technicians in the class. Reason he is third is due to the fact his ball skills are just as good as his technics in man coverage; such Corners getting drafted within the Top 15 as a result.

 

Just replied to your suggestion about trading up! Didn't see this in the thread!!


I just have Corner listed a bit higher due to the fact that, while Pierre and Asante Samuel Jr have been nice finds thus far, it never hurts to have good Cover Corners in a Division that has a bevy of Wide Receiving threats... sans Cleveland.


In your defense though, I know you are a Penn State alum but, if you get the chance, look up Sonny Styles. I know, I know, he is a Buckeye but he is easily the best pound for pound Player in the class in my opinion. He reminds me fondly of Brian Urlacher.


Who knows?! Pittsburgh may opt to bring him in for a Pre Draft Visit in Spring of 2026.

 

None of the QBs within reach of the Steelers are needle-movers for this offense. Grab a retread FA QB for next season (or suffer with Rudolph) and wait for the "very deep QB class" of 2027. Focus on the other holes. The LAR picked a guard with their first picks in back to back drafts but those first picks were in Rd 2 and 3. I think the Steelers need to go DL because Benton ain't it. Too inconsistent to play a lot of snaps but ok as a backup. But a guard in round one would be anti-climactic with the draft being in the 'Burgh. They will splash with a flashier position... maybe CB?

 

If this is true, and the average release time is about 2.5 seconds, then you are talking about less than a second per read to get through 3 reads. QBs might not know the exact coverage scheme but they can see spacing, leverage, and other clues on where they might want to throw the ball.

This is an example of an easy read for Rodgers; 4 guys covering one, or one on one, ... hmmm, where to throw LOL?

 

That is why my money says that next year, Rodgers returns or we knock the dust off of another old QB who will be the starter. The Steelers are not going to start a rookie QB short of injuries during the season that put them into a spot that forces their hand.

 

i don't think any that will be there or are there are better than howard. the only thing is we don't get that 5th year. i'd re-sign skylar thompson, keep mason and see if rodgers would want to stay one more. fix both lines and get some safety and corner help. wr could be in play. sonny styles would be nice as well.

 

Sonny Styles will be long gone by the time Pittsburgh is on the clock. Not a betting man myself but if I were to bet which players in this upcoming class is a sure fire thing, Sonny Styles is easily one of them. A truly rare three down LB with tremendous athleticism to match.

 

While I tend to agree. I'm getting tired of re-tread QB's. They will not be taking us to the SB. We need a permanent YOUNG QB. I'm prepared to take some lumps during his process. One thing I'm pretty certain is the Steelers do not think that way.

Kirk Cousins is a steal, only 38

 

Sure, we could try the Browns route:

 

That gave me a big laugh. Have to send to some family members.

 

i've seen some sights that have sonny around 39th. arvell reese was also ranked above styles. he is another pretty good consolation prize at LB. bunch of good buckeye players available. all good too. lots of good non qb's in this class. maybe back to oregon for the D-Line.

 

We need a dynamic weapon on offense opposite Metcalf. That's where I would be looking in the 1st round.

To move up I believe you would have to not only package picks this season but next year on the higher side. That's what it would take to move up for a QB. I like Mendoza. Then they could replace that worn-out Renegade with Fernando If not familiar look below...

If Rodgers chooses not to retire I would bring him back for another season. If not, I do believe that a QB will be selected in the 1st round.

Definitely need a Left guard, not in the 1st. McCormick was a 4th rounder. Not to shabby. 2nd round possibility.

Lets stock some offensive players for a change.