In the most recent mock draft, the Steelers trade for a quarterback into the top 10.
This offseason, the Steelers must make a crucial decision regarding their quarterback. Will Mason Rudolph or Kenny Pickett be used to run it back? QB Justin Fields of the Bears is traded? In free agency, sign a veteran? or begin anew in the 2024 NFL Draft with a rookie?
Tom Fornelli of CBS Sports thinks the latter, as in his most recent mock draft, he has Pittsburgh trading up to select its next quarterback.
According to Fornelli, the Steelers will work out a deal with Chicago to move up to pick No. 9, even though they currently hold the No. 20 pick. Pittsburgh would choose Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy with that selection.
McCarthy has become more and more of a draft prospect ever since he guided the Wolverines to a national title. On Pro Football Focus’ big board, he is currently rated as the fourth-best quarterback and the 30th overall prospect.
When all is said and done, though, the 21-year-old may very well be selected in the top ten. After throwing for 5,710 yards, 44 touchdowns, and just nine interceptions in 2022–2023—Fornelli evidently feels McCarthy is now teetering on that territory.
Pittsburgh still appears to be supporting Pickett, so it would be shocking if the team traded up for a quarterback in order to use its first-round pick on one. Owner Art Rooney II did, however, state that the team would give Pickett more opposition the following season.
“With Kenny, we still feel at ease,” Rooney II stated to the press. “But we can’t discount what Mason did and can’t discount the fact that having competition at quarterback will be good for everybody.”
It remains to be seen how the competition for Pickett turns out, but Fornelli seems to think it will take the shape of a first-round pick in 2024 from the Steelers.
