Following yet another Wild Card Weekend elimination, the Steelers underwent drastic changes this offseason. Gone are quarterback Russell Wilson and running back Najee Harris. In is Pro-Bowl wide receiver D.K. Metcalf. Still, as of Wednesday morning, this roster has some major flaws. Can a talented rookie save the Steelers? Ahead of Thursday night, let’s break down Pittsburgh’s NFL Draft odds on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Pittsburgh Steelers first round pick prediction
Right now, the only quarterbacks on Pittsburgh’s roster are Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson. For a team with win-now aspirations, that simply won’t cut it. Anyone who follows the NFL is aware of the ongoing Aaron Rodgers drama. The future Hall of Famer has yet to commit to playing next season. If he opts to sign with a team, there’s a good chance it will be the Steelers. Still, the 41-year-old is not someone a competent front office can count on.
Uncertainty behind center doesn’t mean Pittsburgh is guaranteed to select a quarterback on Thursday. Right now, the most likely Steelers pick on DraftKings Sportsbook would be a defensive lineman (+140). Names such as Michigan’s Kenneth Grant and Oregon’s Derrick Harmon would be an ideal fit at nose tackle. 35-year-old Cameron Heyward can’t do this forever, so finding his successor should be a priority for the front office.
Taking a run-stuffing DT at pick #21 makes sense. However, I can’t shake the feeling that if a quarterback prospect such as Shedeur Sanders or Jaxson Dart falls, Pittsburgh will pounce on the opportunity. Right now, the former of the two has +180 odds to land with the Steelers, lowest for any team.
Other than the Saints at pick #9, there aren’t any obvious teams in need of a QB. In most drafts, Pittsburgh would need to trade up for a high-end passer. That might not be the case on Thursday, as it’s unclear if any team is enamored with this group of gunslingers. Even if the Steelers aren’t in love with Sanders or Dart, this franchise needs someone behind center. For a roster filled with expensive stars, complacency this season isn’t an option.
BEST BET: PIT Steelers Position of 1st Drafted Player – QB (+220)
