Steelers Now
Pittsburgh Steelers rookie quarterback Jalen Milroe will be skying passes to fellow Steel City newcomer Luther Burden III next fall. At least, that’s what Pro Football Network projects.
In its latest mock draft, Pro Football Network has the Steelers taking the Missouri receiver in the first round at No. 21 and the Alabama passer in the next round. In the same scenario, the Steelers scoop up LSU cornerback Zy Alexander (3rd round, No. 83 overall), N.C. State offensive tackle Anthony Belton (4th round, No. 104), Utah linebacker Karene Reid (7th round, No. 225), and Texas Tech tailback Tahj Brooks (7th round, No. 247).
The pair of offensive additions with their first two picks would be the Steelers’ biggest additions.
“The Pittsburgh Steelers need an offensive overhaul, and that goes for almost every position other than tight end,” Pro Football Network wrote. “They will likely need a new quarterback, but their value is not right at this spot. The offensive line might also be the way to go here after the unit ranked 24th last season, but getting a reliable weapon for their new quarterback also has to be a priority for this team.”
Burden had 1,212 receiving yards and nine touchdowns on 86 receptions as a sophomore in 2023. His numbers dipped to 676 yards and six scores on 61 grabs this past season as the Tigers’ attack had trouble moving the ball.
Milroe has upside despite not being touted among the draft’s upper-echelon signal-callers.
“Sitting in the middle of this round might prove to be the perfect spot for the Steelers to get Jalen Milroe,” Pro Football Network wrote. “Chances are they may decide to trade up just because sitting and waiting for a quarterback to fall to you on Day 2 will feel like a risky proposition.”
Milroe’s positive, they wrote, are obvious athleticism and arm strength. But, there’s a reason he’s not being considered at the top of the draft with Miami’s Cam Ward and Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders.
