While there have been rumors and discussions about whether the Pittsburgh Steelers will retain either Justin Fields or Russell Wilson, a new name is resurging in the quarterback search.
According to Pittsburgh talk show host Andrew Fillipponi, the Steelers may consider taking Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe in the first round of the draft this April.
Steelers High on Jalen Milroe
Fillipponi said on X: “Source: There are Steelers scouts who ‘love’ Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe. Believe he’s a 1st round talent. And potential franchise quarterback. Mike Tomlin will see him next week at the Senior Bowl. Stay tuned.”
Source: There are Steelers scouts who “love” Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe. Believe he’s a 1st round talent. And potential franchise quarterback. Mike Tomlin will see him next week at the Senior Bowl. Stay tuned. pic.twitter.com/7i1Hm7aOdn
— Andrew Fillipponi (@ThePoniExpress) January 22, 2025
This may come as a surprise for most Steelers fans, considering that they have two potential starters on their roster and Milroe didn’t exactly have a stellar year.
Milroe threw for 2,844 yards, 16 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. That’s a far cry from his 2023 stats, where he threw for 23 touchdowns and only six interceptions.
Yet despite that, his most impressive stat was rushing for over 700 yards and 20 touchdowns, which is why the Steelers and other NFL teams are high on him despite his off year.
Steelers Fans Aren’t Excited About Milroe
When news came out that the Steelers may draft Milroe in the first round, let’s just say a lot of Pittsburgh fans weren’t exactly excited about the idea.
One fan pointed out Milroe’s less than stellar production in 2024, “16 TDs, 11 Interception 4th year playing college ball at Bama. He stinks out loud.”
16 TD’s
11 Interception
4th year playing college ball at Bama he stinks outloud— 🟥 Panther🐆Pride Mike🇺🇸 (@Panther49547104) January 22, 2025
“This will be the nail in the coffin of Mike Tomlin’s career with Pittsburgh if this is actually true,” another fan commented.
This will be the nail in the coffin of Mike Tomlins career with Pittsburgh if this is actually true.
— Cole (@Gunnerdawg99) January 22, 2025
Other fans, however, think it might not be a bad idea for the team to draft Milroe. However, he may be surrounded by a staff that does not know how to use him in their offense, especially if Mike Tomlin is still the head coach.
“He’s a must draft. Downside, they will have no idea how to use him……” surmise this X user.
He’s a must draft. Downside, they will have no idea how to use him……
— Boomer Heeter (@golfingbulldawg) January 22, 2025
As an Alabama fan, I don't see it. I MIGHT be on board if we had a good coaching staff but we don't so yeah…
— Jason (@CrimsonYinzer) January 22, 2025
“FYI He played at my sons high school — he needs a good quarterbacks coach — he really hasn’t been trained well but he does have a crazy strong arm and talent — I would consider him or Quinn Ewers if available,” replied another X user.
FYI
He played at my sons high school — he needs a good quarterbacks coach — he really hasn’t been trained well but he does have a crazy strong arm and talent — I would consider him or Quinn Ewers if available— Jim F (@jefchase) January 22, 2025
Milroe has more upside than down, but the key is putting him in the right offense with a decent offensive coordinator. When new Cleveland Browns OC Tommy Rees was the OC at Alabama, Milroe seemed to progress as the season went on and Rees figured out how to use him in his offense.
If he can get that same kind of coaching in Pittsburgh, he could be the steal of the draft.
