Draft Projected by the Steelers: “Big Upside” in Selecting an Undervalued QB
After drafting Ben Roethlisberger in 2004, the Pittsburgh Steelers went 14 years without a Day 3 rookie when they drafted Mason Rudolph in the third round in 2018. But experts say the Steelers could only pursue two quarterbacks early in the draft. Offseason after hiring Kenny Pickett. ESPN’s Brooke Pryor is the latest reporter to weigh in on the possibility, predicting the Steelers will target Florida State’s Jordan Travis with the no. 84 in the 2024 NFL Draft.
“During the season-ending press conference, coach Mike Tomlin said Kenny Pickett will regain his starting quarterback spot in 2024, but will face competition,” Pryor said on Jan. 31. “Travis’ season ended prematurely with a left foot injury that could keep him out of the pre-draft evaluation period, but trading him could be a big plus for the Steelers.
“Travis is undersized, but his mobility, playmaking ability and pocket presence make him an exciting player in a league that increasingly values quarterbacks with versatile offensive skills.”
Draft experts believe Travis will make a big move in the third round. Pryor’s peers at ESPN rate Travis as the ninth-best quarterback in the class and the 145th-best player overall.
Pro Football Focus’ big board has Travis ranked 141st overall. PFF also ranked him No. 9 among signal callers.
However, Bleacher Report’s draft analysts did not rate Travis as one of the top 150 players in the class. What Jordan Travis brings to the Steelers
Travis’ last college start was Oct. 15, 2022. That alone won’t make you draft him, but it’s an impressive performance that could draw more attention to him. Before the season ended, Travis led the Seminoles to an 11-0 record in 2023. He also had a 63.9 percent completion percentage with 2,756 passing yards, 20 touchdowns and just two interceptions.
In 2022, he scored 24 touchdowns with just five picks. Travis averaged 8.8 yards per carry over his last 24 college games. Pro Football Network’s Ian Cummings had good things to say about Travis. But they might conclude that 84 is enough. “Beyond film, Travis rates as an early to mid-Day 3 prospect in the 2024 NFL Draft and could be found as a backup in that range,” Cummings wrote. “While injuries may limit his cap space, Travis has the physical gifts and enough experience to be a valuable piece in an NFL QB room. “Travis’ arm strength is above average at best. He also turns 24 as a rookie. But more than that, he is a smart, competitive and versatile presence whose athleticism and creativity are the best in his position group.”
The Steelers are looking for quarterback competition
According to Pryor, Steelers coach Mike Tomlin has indicated the team wants to add competition for Pickett in 2024.
Speaking to the media on Jan. 29, Steelers president Art Rooney II emphasized how much the team needs to improve behind center. The Athletic’s Mark Caboli claimed that Rooney informed Pickett of this.
“I think what we need most is quality play from our backs,” Rooney said. “Mason Rudolph came in and I think he showed what we can do when we get quality play at the quarterback position.”
Steelers want Pickett from Mason Rudolph. But he will become a free agent in March. This allows the Steelers to add a fourth draft pick. If a team doesn’t take a risk in the first round, a prospect like Travis could draw a lot of attention on Day 2 or Day 3.
