Steelers given lowest grade for passing on Shedeur Sanders, Jaxson Dart
The Pittsburgh Steelers made a surprising choice in the NFL Draft by selecting Oregon defensive tackle Derrick Harmon with the 21st overall pick, despite having a significant need for a quarterback. Shedeur Sanders from Colorado and Jaxson Dart from Ole Miss were both available, but the Steelers opted for Harmon, who is well-regarded for his defensive prowess. This decision resulted in the Steelers receiving the lowest first-round grade from Sporting News NFL expert Vinnie Iyer, highlighting the missed opportunity to address their quarterback issues. Currently, the Steelers' quarterback roster includes Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson, which raises concerns about their future performance in the position. The team's choice suggests they might have a long-term strategy involving other potential quarterbacks like Alabama's Jalen Milroe or Louisville's Tyler Shough, but the decision could prove costly if not managed carefully.
The Pittsburgh Steelers had the 21st pick in the NFL Draft and surprised many by choosing Oregon defensive tackle Derrick Harmon instead of addressing their significant quarterback needs.
Available quarterbacks included Shedeur Sanders from Colorado and Jaxson Dart from Ole Miss, both considered strong prospects for the Steelers' quarterback position.
Derrick Harmon is recognized as a strong defensive player, which makes the Steelers' choice understandable, but it left their quarterback situation unresolved.
Sporting News NFL expert Vinnie Iyer gave the Steelers the lowest grade for the first round, a B-, due to this selection, suggesting they left more impactful opportunities on the board.
The Steelers currently have Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson as their quarterbacks, which is not seen as a promising lineup for the future.
The decision has led to speculation that the Steelers may have a strategic plan involving other potential quarterbacks like Jalen Milroe from Alabama or Tyler Shough from Louisville.
Despite Derrick Harmon's defensive capabilities, the Steelers' choice not to draft a quarterback could be a risky move if the situation is not carefully managed moving forward.
The Pittsburgh Steelers had the No. 21 overall selection and were on the clock with Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders and Ole Miss QB Jaxson Dart both available.
However, in a bit of a head-scratching move, the Steelers selected Oregon defensive tackle Derrick Harmon. Now, Harmon is an absolute stud on the defensive line, so it's not like they reached in any way.
But, with the massive question mark at the QB position, it was certainly stunning. Sporting News NFL expert Vinnie Iyer had a live grade blog going, and he gave the Steelers the lowest grade of any other team in the first round with a B-.
"The Steelers had a massive need at quarterback and passed on both Sanders and Jaxson Dart to reach a bit for a second-round player, extending for a need despite the fact Nolen and Grant were well off the board. Harmon gives them a run-stuffing boost but they have may left more overall impact on the table."
As it stands as of Thursday night, the Steelers have Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson signed at the QB position, so that is not promising one bit.
Does Mike Tomlin and the Steelers front office know something everyone else doesn't know? Perhaps, or maybe the Steelers are waiting to see what happens with Alabama's Jalen Milroe or Louisville's Tyler Shough.
Still, it was quite a surprise, and this could be a costly decision when it's all said and done.
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