Minnesota Vikings linebacker Josh Metellus (44) July, 2023, at TCO Performance Center in Eagan, Minn. ] CARLOS GONZALEZ • carlos.gonzalez@startribune.com
The 2023 season for the Pittsburgh Steelers has been up and down, and there are many unanswered questions regarding second-year quarterback Kenny Pickett. Although he has obviously struggled in his career thus far, he was performing well following Matt Canada’s firing by the Steelers until he sustained an ankle injury.
Although analyst Emory Hunt acknowledged that the Steelers will have many options to improve their quarterback room through the draft, in free agency, or in the trade market, it is unclear if the team will choose to draft a quarterback in 2024.
Prior to the 2022 football season, Jayden Daniels attended Arizona State for his collegiate football career before transferring to LSU. Like Joe Burrow, Daniels flourished after he got to Baton Rouge. In 2023, he had a fantastic season and was named the AP College Football Player of the Year in addition to winning the Heisman Trophy.
Although he has surpassed younger quarterback prospects such as Caleb Williams and Drake Maye, his current draft projection is a bit uncertain. Hunt discussed this as well as other quarterback alternatives for the Steelers in 2024.
Although the Steelers’ 2024 NFL Draft selection location is unknown, it is most likely in the mid- to late-teens. Barring a deep playoff run, the earliest they’ll be picking if they manage to qualify for the postseason is the early 20s.
Daniels will likely be gone by then, but if the Steelers truly like him, they could trade up, and he could still be selected in the draft. The Steelers need to decide if they want to select a quarterback with a second first-round pick.
