The Pittsburgh Steelers, as of late, are no strangers to quarterback controversies, but the latest rumors swirling around the team have fans buzzing with anticipation and uncertainty. The Steelers drafted Kenny Pickett with hopes that he would turn into the franchise quarterback and lead the team to their seventh Super Bowl title in Pittsburgh. That hasn’t exactly transpired, however.
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Steelers QB Kenny Pickett.
Despite his ability to win games in meaningful moments, doubts linger about Pickett's capability to lead the Steelers back to Super Bowl glory. Disheartened fans have expressed their lack of faith in the young quarterback, fearing a turbulent transition period for the team.
Amid all of the doubt, the Steelers have maintained their belief in Pickett and seem confident in giving him another chance in 2024. However, as the NFL Draft approaches, speculation mounts about potential prospects who could breathe new life into the Steelers' offense, offering a glimpse of what the future might hold for this storied franchise.
Steelers Trade Up In 2024 NFL Draft To Select J.J. McCarthy
According to Tom Fornelli of CBS Sports, the Steelers could be among the teams considering a bold move on draft night, possibly executing a significant trade. Fornelli suggests that they might target quarterback J.J. McCarthy from Michigan, envisioning a scenario where the Steelers trade picks with the Chicago Bears to secure McCarthy with the ninth overall pick.
“The Steelers realize Kenny Pickett isn't the answer and don't waste time trying to correct the situation. Arthur Smith is likely to bring a run-heavy offense that relies on play-action and tight ends, and that sounds a lot like the offense McCarthy ran at Michigan! McCarthy has a strong arm, diagnoses defenses quickly, and is a good enough athlete to regularly extend drives with his legs. He'd be a good fit here.”
Despite McCarthy being ranked as the 32nd overall prospect and fifth quarterback in the draft class by CBS Sports, Fornelli emphasizes the scarcity of quarterback talent in the upcoming draft compared to the current year. He suggests that teams like the Steelers might feel compelled to trade up for a quarterback due to this. While the notion of the Steelers executing such a trade for McCarthy seems improbable, Fornelli acknowledges the unpredictable nature of draft day.
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Michigan QB J.J. McCarthy.
If the Steelers were to pursue a quarterback, they might be better off exploring alternatives such as trading for Justin Fields or signing Russell Wilson. Concerns about McCarthy's viability as a top pick are raised, citing red flags in his tape and his college performance as a passer, which may not fully translate to success in the NFL. The conclusion is that while such a trade could theoretically occur, it might not align with the Steelers' typical decision-making approach.
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Bears QB Justin Fields against the Steelers.
McCarthy's role as a passer at Michigan was somewhat limited due to the team's reliance on a run-heavy system. However, when called upon to make plays through the air, he consistently delivered. His contributions were pivotal in Michigan's triumphant journey to secure the College Football Playoff National Championship Trophy this season. Throughout his campaign, he showcased his prowess by amassing 2,991 passing yards, along with 22 touchdowns and a mere four interceptions.
McCarthy is truly an exemplary figure, demonstrating a profound commitment to his mental well-being, a trait that has undoubtedly contributed to his remarkable journey through college football. Prior to each game, he can be seen engaging in meditative practices, a ritual that attests to his dedication to mental clarity and focus. This mindful approach has undoubtedly shaped him into the resilient and composed athlete he is today, serving as a cornerstone of his collegiate success.
As he stands on the brink of transitioning to the professional realm, McCarthy's future as an NFL quarterback remains shrouded in uncertainty, with pundits speculating about the trajectory of his career. Despite lingering question marks, experts are increasingly bullish on his prospects, pegging him as a potential early first-round pick in the 2024 draft.
With Pickett likely to remain as the guy, the Steelers will undoubtedly be in the market for additional quarterback options. Whether they opt to pursue a prospect in the later rounds of the draft or consider bringing in a seasoned veteran, the quest to fortify their quarterback depth will undoubtedly be a focal point as they navigate the offseason. In doing so, they aim to position themselves for success in the upcoming season and beyond, mindful of the pivotal role that the quarterback position plays in shaping the fortunes of a franchise.
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