With or without Aaron Rodgers, the Steelers need to address quarterback in the long term. This year's draft won't provide a slam-dunk option, but there's enough talent to try and develop a starter.
1. FERNANDO MENDOZA, Indiana
Far and away the best quarterback in the class. Size (6-5, 236 pounds), polished mechanics, established success from the pocket, the clutch gene -- he's got it all. He's the kind of guy you'd envision as a potential franchise quarterback. Too bad he'll be long gone before 21st overall.
2. TY SIMPSON, Alabama
Simpson is another quarterback that comes with a decent amount of polish, both in mechanics and processing ability. He flashed a pretty high ceiling, but has just one year of experience as a starter, is undersized at 6-1 and doesn't have an elite arm. He's a potential candidate at 21st overall, though it may be a bit of a reach. He just won't be there for the Steelers in the second round.
3. DREW ALLAR, Penn State
Allar looks like he came out of a quarterback factory. He's 6-5, 228 pounds, has a rocket arm and enough mobility to keep defenses honest. He was a surefire first-round pick after his junior season in 2024, but regressed as a senior and had his final season cut short due to an ankle injury. Allar's mechanics need significant coaching and there are questions about his performance late in games. But, the tools and three seasons of starting experience are enough to potentially go as high as the second round.
4. CARSON BECK, Miami (FL)
Another quarterback with good size at 6-5, 233 pounds, Beck is coming off a strong season with the Hurricanes, leading them to an appearance in the national championship against Indiana. Beck processes the game well, but needs to handle pressure better. There are also concerns about his arm coming off a 2024 UCL surgery. His experience could make him a late second-round pick, though the lack of elite tools probably make him more an option in the third round.
5. GARRETT NUSSMEIER, LSU
Nussmeier is undersized at 6-2, 203 pounds, especially for being primarily a pocket passer. But he possesses perhaps the second-best arm in this class behind Allar, showing an ability to make some very impressive off-platforms throws. He's the closest thing you'll see nowadays to an old-school gunslinger, reaping volatile production. He has a long way to go in processing the game and learning when to just live to fight another down. He's much more of a risk than Beck, which is why he's lower in this ranking. But, that arm and swagger with which he plays is intriguing enough in the third round.
THE ASYLUM
NFL Draft: Top 5 quarterbacks
With or without Aaron Rodgers, the Steelers need to address quarterback in the long term. This year's draft won't provide a slam-dunk option, but there's enough talent to try and develop a starter.
1. FERNANDO MENDOZA, Indiana
Far and away the best quarterback in the class. Size (6-5, 236 pounds), polished mechanics, established success from the pocket, the clutch gene -- he's got it all. He's the kind of guy you'd envision as a potential franchise quarterback. Too bad he'll be long gone before 21st overall.
2. TY SIMPSON, Alabama
Simpson is another quarterback that comes with a decent amount of polish, both in mechanics and processing ability. He flashed a pretty high ceiling, but has just one year of experience as a starter, is undersized at 6-1 and doesn't have an elite arm. He's a potential candidate at 21st overall, though it may be a bit of a reach. He just won't be there for the Steelers in the second round.
3. DREW ALLAR, Penn State
Allar looks like he came out of a quarterback factory. He's 6-5, 228 pounds, has a rocket arm and enough mobility to keep defenses honest. He was a surefire first-round pick after his junior season in 2024, but regressed as a senior and had his final season cut short due to an ankle injury. Allar's mechanics need significant coaching and there are questions about his performance late in games. But, the tools and three seasons of starting experience are enough to potentially go as high as the second round.
4. CARSON BECK, Miami (FL)
Another quarterback with good size at 6-5, 233 pounds, Beck is coming off a strong season with the Hurricanes, leading them to an appearance in the national championship against Indiana. Beck processes the game well, but needs to handle pressure better. There are also concerns about his arm coming off a 2024 UCL surgery. His experience could make him a late second-round pick, though the lack of elite tools probably make him more an option in the third round.
5. GARRETT NUSSMEIER, LSU
Nussmeier is undersized at 6-2, 203 pounds, especially for being primarily a pocket passer. But he possesses perhaps the second-best arm in this class behind Allar, showing an ability to make some very impressive off-platforms throws. He's the closest thing you'll see nowadays to an old-school gunslinger, reaping volatile production. He has a long way to go in processing the game and learning when to just live to fight another down. He's much more of a risk than Beck, which is why he's lower in this ranking. But, that arm and swagger with which he plays is intriguing enough in the third round.
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