The Pittsburgh Steelers need a quarterback, with Kenny Pickett proving to be too inconsistent as he struggled through two seasons into his NFL career. Fortunately for Mike Tomlin and Co., they could land a QB in the upcoming 2024 draft.
Pittsburgh has been heavily linked in a potential offseason trade or acquisition to get a potential 2024 starting QB, with both Justin Fields and Russell Wilson heavily mentioned as potential options for them. Nonetheless, there is a talented quarterback that could land on their laps with the 20th overall pick they own.
In the NFL mock draft written by ESPN NFL insider Field Yates, he predicts that the Steelers would pick Bo Nix out of Oregon.
While Yates understands that the Steelers are not giving up on Pickett just yet, the team has expressed to bring some competition at the QB position. That’s where Nix comes in. He may not be the best QB in the class, but he’s a high-ceiling player who can really fight for the starting spot and give Pickett competition.
In making a case for the Steelers picking Nix, Yates argued that the Oregon standout should be able to thrive in Pittsburgh with his accuracy and ability to analyze the field and make the right calls.
“This one might be a surprise, as the Steelers have backed Kenny Pickett — whom they took at No. 20 two years ago — this offseason. But they also said they plan to add competition for him in the quarterback room. Quarterback picks in this range are often polarizing, but my fundamental mindset is the Steelers’ ceiling with Pickett under center is too low for a franchise with a standard that is not simply making the playoffs but making deep runs. Pittsburgh has lost five straight playoff games,” Yates shared.
“Nix blends sharp accuracy with some razzle-dazzle (something he has refined during his college career after transferring from Auburn) and an ability to quickly scan the field to deliver the right read. He set the FBS single-season record for completion percentage in 2023 at 77.4% while throwing 45 touchdown passes to three interceptions.
It remains to be seen if the Steelers will actually use their pick to draft a QB, but it’s certainly an intriguing option for them as they look to get over the hump and finally contend for the Super Bowl.
