Overview
- ESPN’s Matt Miller reported Thursday the Steelers will not force a Round 1 quarterback and will “play the board,” with internal support for second-year passer Will Howard.
- McCarthy called talks with Rodgers positive, and Rooney said he expects an answer by the April 23 draft, though Schefter said it could slip into May or June.
- Pittsburgh’s quarterback room today consists of Howard and veteran Mason Rudolph, with few proven free-agent alternatives left around the league.
- The Steelers hold an NFL-high 12 picks, and projections diverge between a first-round QB such as Alabama’s Ty Simpson and non‑QB options like Georgia linebacker CJ Allen or offensive line and receiver help, echoing Jerome Bettis’ call to strengthen the supporting cast.
- With Pittsburgh hosting the draft, the timing of Rodgers’ decision now guides whether a rookie enters an open competition or the team backs Howard and uses its draft capital to plug other roster needs.