The Pittsburgh Steelers remain in quarterback limbo. Pittsburgh’s quest to find a true successor to Ben Roethlisberger is continuing. At publication time, Aaron Rodgers had still not made a decision to sign with the Steelers, although many published reports indicate that the job for 2025 is his to take if he wants it.
Even if Rodgers does hook on with Pittsburgh, the team still needs a longer-term solution at QB. Unfortunately, the Steelers have the No. 21 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, and this year’s pool of QBs doesn’t offer much in terms of first-round appeal; the top two might be taken in the first three picks or so.
Many mock drafts feature varying projected picks for Pittsburgh in the first round. You can see the Steelers addressing various positions with the 21st pick in the analyst mocks, from running back to cornerback to defensive line.
There is an opportunity to correctly predict and wager on what position Pittsburgh will address in the first round. Let’s take a look at what the best Pennsylvania sportsbooks think about the Steelers first position drafted next month.
Pittsburgh Steelers first position drafted odds
Odds are current as March 28 at BetMGM
- Defensive Line/Edge +155
- Offensive Lineman +400
- Quarterback +450
- Cornerback +450
- Running Back +900
- Wide Receiver +2000
- Safety +2200
- Linebacker +3300
- Tight End +5000
Best Bet: Defensive Tackle (+155 at BetMGM Sportsbook)
While quarterback is the biggest obvious hole on the roster, there is a definite need at defensive tackle and better prospects should be available at that position after the first 20 selections.
Pittsburgh moved on from Larry Ogunjobi and has not effectively replaced him yet. So there is a good chance this will be position addressed in the first round.
The Steelers don’t have a second round selection in this draft because they dealt it for DK Metcalf. So unless a trade is completed on draft day, the pressure will be on to pick the best available player to fill a need with the first pick.
Some names that are being projected to go to Pittsburgh at No. 21 include Oregon’s Derrick Harmon, Ole Miss’ Walter Nolen and Michigan’s Kenneth Grant.
Pittsburgh fans are well-known for being savvy NFL followers. While they realize that QB is a higher position of impact, the ideal player may not be available at the 21st pick, and taking care of another area of prime concern makes a lot of sense.
Top Alternative: Quarterback (+450 at BetMGM Sportsbook)
There are a few potential routes to this prop becoming a reality. I have even seen mocks where Shedeur Sanders tumbles to the No. 21 spot. That seems to be a highly unlikely turn of events, though.
The most logical scenario has Jaxson Dart still being available at the 21st pick, and the Steelers locking onto him as their QB of the future. Some analysts have suggested that Dart could slip out of the first round, and there is also conjecture that he might be off the board before Pittsburgh gets a chance to draft him.
Trading up for one of the top two QBs is another path to solving the problem. But the cost to deal into the No. 1 spot would seem to be prohibitive, and there are many indicators that Tennessee will stick firm with its pick to take Cam Ward.
Envisioning a trade with the Browns at No. 2 is very far-fetched. But if Sanders slips past the top three, the Steelers might consider making a move into the top 10 to get him.
Steelers NFL Draft odds: Which other position is an option?
After losing Najee Harris to the Chargers, running back is also now an area that must be strengthened, but can be considered after the first round.
Although at any time, it is conceivable that the Steelers could trade back into the first round after their 21st pick. Such a transaction wouldn’t affect the wagers presented here.
Cornerback may be regarded as less of an immediate need after the acquisition of Darius Slay, although that is a depth consideration for after the first round. Bolstering the interior of the offensive line will also likely be on the radar of the front office.
