Sooner or later, the Pittsburgh Steelers need to figure out their long-term quarterback plans. But as long as Aaron Rodgers is around, they could keep passing the buck down the line.
Holding the No. 21 overall pick, the Steelers would seemingly be in a position to draft a quarterback like Ty Simpson. However, Peter Schrager of ESPN doesn’t think they’ll go that route and instead has them selecting Clemson edge rusher TJ Parker in his latest mock draft.
“Alabama’s Ty Simpson is still available, but I’m expecting Aaron Rodgers to return to Pittsburgh for another season,” Schrager wrote. “On defense, the Steelers started getting younger along the line with the Derrick Harmon pick a year ago, and I wouldn’t think they’re done there. Parker has played a big role on the Clemson defense since his true freshman season, with 21.5 sacks over his three years there.”
Assuming Rodgers returns, selecting a quarterback in 2025 would give Pittsburgh extra time to mold him into a starter. However, the quarterback would be coming back for a chance to win a Super Bowl. Adding a player at a different position would have much more of an on-field impact with Rodgers under center.
In this case, Parker would be expected to help bolster a Steelers defense looking to make a comeback after finishing the 2025 season ranked 26th in total defense, allowing 356.9 YPG. The defensive end spent three seasons at Clemson, racking up 126 tackles, 41.5 for a loss, and 21.5 sacks. Parker was named a Freshman All-American in 2023 and Second-team All-SEC in 2024.
Until Rodgers officially makes his decision, the quarterback’s status will be one of the biggest talking points of the Steelers’ offseason. But Pittsburgh has other needs it must consider as well in the NFL Draft.
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