The Pittsburgh Steelers face a significant choice in the forthcoming 2025 NFL Draft. Naturally, the primary discussion has centered on the quarterback class and the Steelers’ evident necessity to secure a long-term solution at that position.
Though numerous analysts find this year’s class disappointing, that hasn’t prevented Pittsburgh from dedicating substantial effort. There may still be chances to uncover value, particularly with a front office that has demonstrated a readiness to remain patient and act decisively when the ideal candidate arises.
Of course, everyone is focused on Shedeur Sanders—one of the most controversial prospects in the draft. Many think the Steelers would be making a great bargain if he were to fall to the 21st overall pick, particularly due to his playmaking talent and potential.
Nonetheless, recent reports indicate that Sanders might not drop too low, and even if he does, it’s not certain that Pittsburgh should take action. With additional gaps in the lineup and ongoing doubts about his suitability in the NFL, the choice isn’t as straightforward as it may appear at first glance.
As per NFL insider Albert Breer, locating league evaluators who think Sanders genuinely merits a first-round selection has proven challenging. Such a league-wide uncertainty could cause the Steelers to think twice.
Though Sanders possesses name recognition and collegiate achievements, there are worries regarding how his style of play will adapt, particularly behind an offensive line that remains under development. The Steelers require a future franchise quarterback—but they also cannot afford to make a mistake.
“I’m having a really hard time finding coaches or scouts who believe Sanders is a first-round talent,” Breer said. “This, by the way, is separate from any issue anyone has with his personality. Those questions exist, but lots of teams have made exceptions in that department in the past to take on guys with special talents. The problem seems to be that too many folks don’t think Sanders has those types of gifts. Now, it’s not like Sanders is devoid of ability. Even his critics will tell you that he’s accurate, smart and tough, and credit him for winning consistently at programs where it’s hard to do that. There’s production there that doesn’t happen if a kid can’t play.”
Breer is a well-informed insider who has conversed with multiple important decision-makers, and the general agreement among them is that Sanders is not regarded as a first-round prospect.
This is intriguing because if Sanders drops to 21st, many would view that as a strong value—but not everyone in the league shares that feeling.
“The coach I was talking to said, simply, that when you watch those two under duress on tape, you see [Jaxson] Dart moving forward, and Sanders moving backward,” Breer wrote. “That essentially means that where Dart would climb the pocket, Sanders would bail out of the back of it, and run away from defenders to create time to throw.”
Sanders presents an interesting opportunity, although there are some worries. One coach who chatted with Breer voiced concerns about Sanders’ skill in maneuvering the pocket—an aspect they think might hinder his success in the NFL. During college, Sanders was positioned behind an ineffective offensive line, which hindered an accurate assessment of his quarterbacking abilities.
Concurrently, he gained from a remarkably skilled set of wide receivers, causing some analysts to think that a significant portion of the offense’s output was due to the pass-catchers rather than Sanders.
Steelers Already Face 1 Team Blocking Their Path
Initially viewed as a probable top-five selection, Sanders has started to drop in the past few weeks. The New Orleans Saints are said to be considering taking him with the ninth overall pick, but if they choose not to, it may allow the Steelers to take him at 21. However, not everyone thinks that would be a sensible decision for Pittsburgh.
With the draft nearing, Sanders continues to be one of the most divisive prospects in this group. His physical attributes and college performance are clear, yet concerns regarding his decision-making, pocket awareness, and the extent of his contribution to his offense’s success persist in provoking discussion. Should he fall to the 21st pick, the Steelers will face a difficult choice.