OT: The Pittsburgher Thread: Off Season We dont need a QB Edition

[pistolpete11]

It’s the NFL, plans go in the toilet all the time because of injuries.

Then it’s up to the coach to make intelligent decisions that will put guys in position to succeed.

In ‘23 Moore had the second highest pressures among all T and a ridiculous 11% pressure rate.

And Tomlin kept him at LT?

It didn’t take a coaching savant to know Moore would again be the worst LT in the league.

Sure, but you're acting like they didn't take any steps to address it and they absolutely did.

I know how you love to ignore everything that doesn't fit into your narrative so you can go on one of your rants, though. So have it, I guess.

 

[Peat]

He's fine. I'd rather have a Heath type...or a Brock Bowers type. He's a good player who doesn't do anything exceptionally, and is kind of a big wuss for a guy his size.

Right. Just I don't think that makes him overrated because who's telling you he's more than that?

Not like I see a lot of Bowers-esque players in the league either. I'd be all for it if they take a chance on Tyler Warren if he's there, but those dudes are rare.

 

[pistolpete11]

Right. Just I don't think that makes him overrated because who's telling you he's more than that?

Not like I see a lot of Bowers-esque players in the league either. I'd be all for it if they take a chance on Tyler Warren if he's there, but those dudes are rare.

If Warren is there at 21, that would be both a) surprising and b) put me in a real predicament.

Not only is he a PSU guy, but he's going to be a stud that can do it all. However, it would kind of be repeating the same mistake they made with Muth. They have much more pressing (and important) needs than a TE. If they could draft Warren and trade Muth, maybe it'd make some sense. Otherwise, it's a tough sell for me, as difficult as it would be to pass on him.

 

[Buddy Bizarre]

Came across this quote and couldn't help but think of Tomlin and his refusal to try new things bc it's scary

"The longer you avoid voluntary discomfort, the longer you'll have to endure mandatory suffering." - E. Latimore

Guess we should all prepare to suffer until Tomlin is gone

 

[Buddy Bizarre]

If Warren is there at 21, that would be both a) surprising and b) put me in a real predicament.

Not only is he a PSU guy, but he's going to be a stud that can do it all. However, it would kind of be repeating the same mistake they made with Muth. They have much more pressing (and important) needs than a TE. If they could draft Warren and trade Muth, maybe it'd make some sense. Otherwise, it's a tough sell for me, as difficult as it would be to pass on him.

Well the Steelers have in the past 10 years or so have gone "best player at the most desperate position of need". It's worked and not worked out over the years.

So I don't think we'll be seeing such a pick.

 

[Peat]

If Warren is there at 21, that would be both a) surprising and b) put me in a real predicament.

Not only is he a PSU guy, but he's going to be a stud that can do it all. However, it would kind of be repeating the same mistake they made with Muth. They have much more pressing (and important) needs than a TE. If they could draft Warren and trade Muth, maybe it'd make some sense. Otherwise, it's a tough sell for me, as difficult as it would be to pass on him.

Oh yeah, he's not going to be there. I'd meant to edit in the fact that he's not expect to be there only shows the rarity.

I also feel pretty open to taking him if he's there. Yeah, there'll be players available at more premium positions that the Steelers need, but I don't know if those players will have more of an impact. Most of the guys at 21 are boom-bust - where as Warren is boom-seemingly very small chance of bust, even for a first round TE - or safe (for their draft position) without Warren's ceiling. Am I willing to take a top 10 guy at 21 because of positional discount over a 15-30 guy with no positional discount? Do I think Warren is probably going before Harmon in redrafts four years from now? I think so, yeah.

I also think it'll be very hard for the team to play the bullyball it wants to without some guys who are plus at both blocking and receiving, and would love to play some 2 TE sets where the pass is genuinely a threat.

Finally, I'd suggest that if the OL guys make it, the offence is only a QB and some really great weapons away from being ready to go. Well, Warren is potentially one of those weapons. I'm open to stashing some weapons against 2026.

 

[Goalie_Bob]

If Warren is there at 21, they should absolutely take him because he is a top 10 talent in this draft.

But he won't be there. There multiple teams in the top 10 that could take him and if he gets anywhere near 15/16, someone will trade up for him.

 

[TimmyD]

If Warren is there at 21, that would be both a) surprising and b) put me in a real predicament.

Not only is he a PSU guy, but he's going to be a stud that can do it all. However, it would kind of be repeating the same mistake they made with Muth. They have much more pressing (and important) needs than a TE. If they could draft Warren and trade Muth, maybe it'd make some sense. Otherwise, it's a tough sell for me, as difficult as it would be to pass on him.

As a Charger fan I hope he’s there at 21 and I pray the Steelers feel the same way so that Herbert can get his young, elite TE. I’d be over the moon if Warren fell to 22 somehow lol.

 

[pistolpete11]

Well the Steelers have in the past 10 years or so have gone "best player at the most desperate position of need". It's worked and not worked out over the years.

So I don't think we'll be seeing such a pick.

Agreed. I'd argue that the times it hasn't worked out also happened to be non-premium positions (Harris, Edmunds, Bush) and/or were just not good enough to be picked where they were picked (Pickett).

DL might not be the most premium position, but it's still vital IMO and the Steelers line if Heyward were to retire or regress is in rough shape.

Oh yeah, he's not going to be there. I'd meant to edit in the fact that he's not expect to be there only shows the rarity.

I also feel pretty open to taking him if he's there. Yeah, there'll be players available at more premium positions that the Steelers need, but I don't know if those players will have more of an impact. Most of the guys at 21 are boom-bust - where as Warren is boom-seemingly very small chance of bust, even for a first round TE - or safe (for their draft position) without Warren's ceiling. Am I willing to take a top 10 guy at 21 because of positional discount over a 15-30 guy with no positional discount? Do I think Warren is probably going before Harmon in redrafts four years from now? I think so, yeah.

I also think it'll be very hard for the team to play the bullyball it wants to without some guys who are plus at both blocking and receiving, and would love to play some 2 TE sets where the pass is genuinely a threat.

Finally, I'd suggest that if the OL guys make it, the offence is only a QB and some really great weapons away from being ready to go. Well, Warren is potentially one of those weapons. I'm open to stashing some weapons against 2026.

I could maybe be talked into it, but I also realize a big part of that is being a PSU alum, watching Warren all season, and the confidence I have in him being a real player in the NFL.

If he were on Ole Miss or some other school I don't watch, I'd probably be more adamant in my "Sounds great, but I'm still picking a DL" stance.

 

[Mr Jiggyfly]

Sure, but you're acting like they didn't take any steps to address it and they absolutely did.

So when an injury happened and plans went awry, Tomlin decided to create two problems instead of 1?

I know how you love to ignore everything that doesn't fit into your narrative so you can go on one of your rants, though. So have it, I guess.

Ironic coming from a poster who just went on a never ending quoting rant with Peat the other day.

If you don’t like reading that this team is f***ed until Tomlin is gone, use the ignore button.

I’m not going to pretend things will be cool with him around to appease you.

Well the Steelers have in the past 10 years or so have gone "best player at the most desperate position of need". It's worked and not worked out over the years.

So I don't think we'll be seeing such a pick.

The only guy like that this draft would be Dart and I can’t imagine they will be that stupid… right?

 

[Buddy Bizarre]

The only guy like that this draft would be Dart and I can’t imagine they will be that stupid… right?

IDK. This team generally is predictable and logic dictates there is a big need at DL with Cam's age and some defections. For the past 5 years I've correctly predicted the position group (not the player) the Steelers took with their R1 pick. I still say it's DLine.

We're seeing the culmination of the plan to turn the Steelers into the 2000 Ravens or 2015 Broncos, which I think started in 2019 when, after trading for Minkah, the Steelers almost made the playoffs with Rookie Mason and Duck on the backs of a stellar defense prone to making splash plays and forcing turnovers.

I think Tomlin became convinced he could win a Super Bowl with this defense if only he had QB play just a little better than what the Steelers had that year. So for the next several seasons we went all in on defense, playing hyperconservative offense on purpose and relying on the Defense and Boswell to win games. But the approach has brought nothing but embarrassment, and key pieces like Cam and TJ are aging out.

I think Tomlin thinks he has another shot at winning a Super Bowl with this D if he just gets the offensive talent right, hence the trade for Metcalf and the pursuit of Rodgers. That's the desperation Cam is referencing.

I don't think they take a QB early, but they'll probably throw a 6/7th at any leftover QB's to say "hey we did something". Which to me is a waste of a pick. This team is better off going the FA route at QB this year.

Next year is the year I think they'll go early at QB.

 

[pistolpete11]

Ironic coming from a poster who just went on a never ending quoting rant with Peat the other day.

That's called a discussion. I know you can't tell the difference.

If you don’t like reading that this team is f***ed until Tomlin is gone, use the ignore button.

I’m not going to pretend things will be cool with him around to appease you.

You got the wrong guy, bub. I've been on the Fire Tomlin train longer than most. I just don't let my dislike of Tomlin dictate the way I view every. single. f***ing. thing.

 

[Mr Jiggyfly]

That's called a discussion. I know you can't tell the difference.

I only give respect to those who deserve it - you stopped being in that category years ago.

You got the wrong guy, bub. I've been on the Fire Tomlin train longer than most. I just don't let my dislike of Tomlin dictate the way I view every. single. f***ing. thing.

Everything is connected to the guy with absolute power in the org, but I was delusional as you are now several years ago, thinking they could work around it (lol).

Again hit the ignore, because I’ll keep ragging on the real issue being Tomlin, because there is no work around for him.

 

[WickedWrister]

Daniel Jeremiah Ranks 4.0

Daniel Jeremiah's top 50: 2025 NFL Draft prospect rankings 4.0

Agreed with @Buddy Bizarre , the Steelers are pretty transparent (perhaps too transparent) at times and I think everything is signaling DT- specifically Harmon, Grant, or Nolen.

Personally, I'd love to trade to the back of this tier and try and pick up some more day 2 draft capital and get one of these top 50 RB's that inevitably ends up falling. But that's just not our M.O.

That's called a discussion. I know you can't tell the difference.


You got the wrong guy, bub. I've been on the Fire Tomlin train longer than most. I just don't let my dislike of Tomlin dictate the way I view every. single. f***ing. thing.

I've had this user on ignore for over a year and this thread is a much more pleasurable experience since I did that. Just my 2 cents.

 

[Mr Jiggyfly]

IDK. This team generally is predictable and logic dictates there is a big need at DL with Cam's age and some defections. For the past 5 years I've correctly predicted the position group (not the player) the Steelers took with their R1 pick. I still say it's DLine.

We're seeing the culmination of the plan to turn the Steelers into the 2000 Ravens or 2015 Broncos, which I think started in 2019 when, after trading for Minkah, the Steelers almost made the playoffs with Rookie Mason and Duck on the backs of a stellar defense prone to making splash plays and forcing turnovers.

I think Tomlin became convinced he could win a Super Bowl with this defense if only he had QB play just a little better than what the Steelers had that year. So for the next several seasons we went all in on defense, playing hyperconservative offense on purpose and relying on the Defense and Boswell to win games. But the approach has brought nothing but embarrassment, and key pieces like Cam and TJ are aging out.

I think Tomlin thinks he has another shot at winning a Super Bowl with this D if he just gets the offensive talent right, hence the trade for Metcalf and the pursuit of Rodgers. That's the desperation Cam is referencing.

I don't think they take a QB early, but they'll probably throw a 6/7th at any leftover QB's to say "hey we did something". Which to me is a waste of a pick. This team is better off going the FA route at QB this year.

Next year is the year I think they'll go early at QB.

I followed the draft since I was a kid and only got the Hastings, Plex and Roth picks right in all that time.

Since the Harris pick, I’ve guessed 3 of the last 4 first rounders , so I suppose there is something to what you are saying.

I’m convinced they will go DL this season and QB next season, just as you are.

I’m not watching the draft for the first time since I was maybe 15, I have little interest in it TBTH.

I’ll just check the picks later and shrug.

I agree there was some kind of duct tape plan to turn this org into the 90s Steelers/Chiefs, but wouldn’t they need a run game for that to work?

Or a D that doesn’t get folded every playoffs?

 

[xlm34]

The one thing I will say in defense of Moore, he does have some tough competition in the AFC North. He had to face the #1 and #2 leaders in sacks twice each. You could say they were #1 and #2 because they got to face Moore twice, but I think those guys have proven to be pretty good.

I think and hope that Jones is physically more capable of handling it, but it is a valid concern IMO.

Yeah I actually think Moore is an average-ish LT which isn’t really a defense of Moore but a good reminder that there is a serious lack of talent at the position. Especially against elite pass rushers like you mentioned.

We’ve also had some QBs the past couple years that have made the line look even worse than their talent level.

 

[Peat]

Daniel Jeremiah Ranks 4.0

Daniel Jeremiah's top 50: 2025 NFL Draft prospect rankings 4.0

Agreed with @Buddy Bizarre , the Steelers are pretty transparent (perhaps too transparent) at times and I think everything is signaling DT- specifically Harmon, Grant, or Nolen.

Personally, I'd love to trade to the back of this tier and try and pick up some more day 2 draft capital and get one of these top 50 RB's that inevitably ends up falling. But that's just not our M.O.

I think Khan wants to. He's said a few times he's open to it and it fits what what happened his first draft, where they found a trade down to replace capital lost in trading up. I think he'd love to pick up another pick to replace the pick lost trading for Metcalf.

I worry more about whether he can find a partner.

I've also got to say that the usual big Steelers signal - Tomlin at pro days - hasn't happened with the DL class. My guess is they'll bring them in on visits, take one, and we'll adjust how we measure the Steelers doing things, but until that happens, it doesn't feel quite the same in terms of transparency. Honestly, going by the traditional signals, I'd say expect Milroe or Egbuka.

 

[xlm34]

I think Khan wants to. He's said a few times he's open to it and it fits what what happened his first draft, where they found a trade down to replace capital lost in trading up. I think he'd love to pick up another pick to replace the pick lost trading for Metcalf.

I worry more about whether he can find a partner.

I've also got to say that the usual big Steelers signal - Tomlin at pro days - hasn't happened with the DL class. My guess is they'll bring them in on visits, take one, and we'll adjust how we measure the Steelers doing things, but until that happens, it doesn't feel quite the same in terms of transparency. Honestly, going by the traditional signals, I'd say expect Milroe or Egbuka.

Yeah I think this is where the trouble would be. This draft very much seems like one where a couple of day two picks is as good if not better than a late first. I know people will project some team trading from the top of the second into the first for Dart…but I just can’t see something like that actually happening.

 

[Peat]

Yeah I think this is where the trouble would be. This draft very much seems like one where a couple of day two picks is as good if not better than a late first. I know people will project some team trading from the top of the second into the first for Dart…but I just can’t see something like that actually happening.

Even if that Dart trade up does happen, why trade all the way up to 21 to do it and would the Steelers feel safe their DL tranche is still there in the 2nd round? Something like the Rams' 26 + 101 for 21 is the safe easy way of doing it - but why do they want to do that, particularly when they're missing some capital too?

 

[Snooki Stackhouse]

I think trading back into top half of second still gets you maybe Tyleik Williams or Darius Alexander which isn't huge dropoff however as you get later in the second then you start getting into Alfred Collins who seems to have major warts in pass rush.

Trade up partner might be hard but if guys like Burden, Golden, or Egbuka are there maybe there's a taker who doesn't want to be left with a questionable WR in Rd 2. Get a good DL, another third and you can roll the dice on a Milroe in rd3 while still getting a high caliber RB or CB in your second Rd 3.

I'd feel really good about Williams, Milroe, and Giddens/Neal to address need while also sticking to BPA.

 

[WickedWrister]

I think Khan wants to. He's said a few times he's open to it and it fits what what happened his first draft, where they found a trade down to replace capital lost in trading up. I think he'd love to pick up another pick to replace the pick lost trading for Metcalf.

I worry more about whether he can find a partner.

I've also got to say that the usual big Steelers signal - Tomlin at pro days - hasn't happened with the DL class. My guess is they'll bring them in on visits, take one, and we'll adjust how we measure the Steelers doing things, but until that happens, it doesn't feel quite the same in terms of transparency. Honestly, going by the traditional signals, I'd say expect Milroe or Egbuka.

I'm talking specifically about trading back in the first round - something the Steelers haven't done since like 2001 if my quick google search is correct. Khan always says the politically correct thing but I'll believe it when I see it. Trading back in the 1st for 2026 draft capital would be an additional signal they're going QB next year.

About the pro day thing, maybe... I bet they were planning on attending Michigan's for Grant but then the Rodgers visit happened. I could be totally wrong though and it was pre scheduled. When we went QB in 2022, it felt like there was honestly more buzz about Tomlin loving Malik Willis more than Kenny Pickett. Obvious smokescreen or just social media fake news about the individual player, but they telegraphed QB that year.

 

[MrBrightside]

I've had this user on ignore for over a year and this thread is a much more pleasurable experience since I did that. Just my 2 cents.

Same. The Tomlin rants about every f'ing thing every f'ing day are exhausting.

 

[Empoleon8771]

I don't like putting people on ignore, but seeing this thread turn everyday into some kind of "Tomlin vs anti-Tomlin" argument that is veiled in a slightly different way (like talking about the OL, developing QBs or whatever else) between the same 2 people makes it really tough not to do.

 

[xlm34]

I think I’m going to be incredibly underwhelmed by their draft class this year unless something crazy happens. Even mocks I see that I would consider good outcomes are kind of meh.

 

[pistolpete11]

I've had this user on ignore for over a year and this thread is a much more pleasurable experience since I did that. Just my 2 cents.

Same. The Tomlin rants about every f'ing thing every f'ing day are exhausting.

I've tried, more on the Pens threads, but then people respond and it makes me feel like I'm taking crazy pills because I don't see that they are responding to someone. So I have very, very few people on ignore.

I try just not to engage. I figured pointing out that they used their first round selection on the very issue he was bitching about was a pretty obvious and uncontroversial point to make, but nope. Just more Tomlin rants.