Pittsburgh, PA – As the NFL Draft approaches, the Pittsburgh Steelers are turning their attention to the quarterback position in light of their recent struggles under center. In the latest mock draft from ESPN, the Steelers are projected to select J.J. McCarthy, the standout signal-caller from the University of Michigan, with their first-round pick, currently positioned at 12th overall.
The Steelers’ decision to focus on the quarterback position comes after a season of inconsistency from their current starter, Kenny Pickett. Despite showing flashes of potential, Pickett has struggled with turnovers and maintaining offensive rhythm, leading to speculation that the Steelers may look to the draft for a game-changing talent. McCarthy’s impressive 2023 season, during which he threw for over 3,500 yards, completed 68% of his passes, and amassed 32 total touchdowns, has made him an attractive option for the Steelers.
Steelers General Manager Omar Khan has indicated the organization’s commitment to finding a franchise quarterback to lead the team into the future. Analysts believe that drafting McCarthy could provide the Steelers with a fresh start at the position, injecting new life into an offense that has struggled to find its identity in recent years.
In addition to McCarthy, the Steelers are also monitoring other quarterback prospects, including Drake Maye from North Carolina and Bo Nix from Oregon. However, McCarthy’s ability to operate in a pro-style offense and his poise under pressure have positioned him as the leading candidate to be the Steelers’ next quarterback.
The upcoming 2024 NFL Draft will be crucial for the Steelers as they look to rebuild and re-establish themselves as contenders in the AFC North. With a rich history of strong quarterback play, Pittsburgh fans are eager to see how the team addresses this critical position in the upcoming draft.
As the draft date nears, the Steelers’ choice at quarterback will be closely scrutinized, with many hoping that the right selection will set the foundation for a successful future. Stay tuned for further updates as the Steelers finalize their strategy heading into the draft.
