Exclusive; Steelers Predicted to Consider Adding ‘Rocket-Armed’, ‘High-IQ’ QB
While rumors are gaining momentum that the Pittsburgh Steelers could trade a quarterback like Justin Fields, mock draft experts are still pegged to the Steelers as a signal caller in the first round. CBS Sports’ Ryan Wilson predicted the Steelers would target Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. in his latest mock draft on Feb. 12.
“The Steelers hired a new OC in Arthur Smith, which is good news for the offense,” Wilson wrote. “But if they don’t believe Kenny Pickett is a long-term solution, they could (should?) consider Penix Jr. here.”
Pro Football Network’s Ian Cummings described Penix as “a left-handed pitcher with a rocket weapon, elite swing speed and top-notch arm elasticity.” He added that Fenix is also “a high IQ passer who gathers information early and handles the scene without hesitation.”
In the 2023 season, Penix completed 65.4% of his passes for 4,903 yards with 36 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. He averaged 8.8 yards per attempt. Penix also led Washington to an undefeated regular season, the Pac-12 Championship and an appearance in the national championship game.
Does Michael Penix have Matthew Stafford’s potential?
As the draft process continues over the next two months, players with first-round grades begin to be compared to established NFL players. Cummings already had one for Penix. Draft analysts compared the Washington quarterback’s traits to those of Super Bowl champion Matthew Stafford.
“If he can stay healthy in his prime, Penix could be a Matthew Stafford-type passer at the NFL level,” Cummings wrote. “He is an outstanding pocket operator with the functional mobility to cut through any level of defense with his speed, free angles, surgical vision and predatory passing instincts, and a competitor his teammates can rally around.” There is one big difference between Stafford and Penix. The Detroit Lions selected Stafford with the first overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft.
Penix is one of the most controversial 2024 prospects, so he probably won’t even make the top 10. If his opponents describe his draft pick more accurately than his supporters, Penix could potentially fall out of the first round. Still, acquiring a quarterback with Stafford’s potential at 20th overall is an attractive proposition.
Stafford had a successful 15-year NFL career, accumulating 56,047 yards and 357 touchdowns. He earned two Pro Bowl nods and led the Los Angeles Rams to a Super Bowl title in the 2021 season. QB Rumors Surrounding the Pittsburgh Steelers Wilson’s prediction that the Steelers will draft Penix (also made by a CBS Sports analyst on Dec. 19) isn’t the only quarterback rumor circulating in Pittsburgh.
NFL Network insiders reported on February 11 that quarterback Mason Rudolph wants a fresh start and has “made it clear” that he is willing to sign with another team this offseason. A day later, the Steelers released fellow quarterback Mitch Trubisky. That means Pittsburgh could add a defensive back or two in free agency if Rudolph doesn’t return. ESPN’s Adam Schefter appeared on The Pat McAfee Show on February 12 and offered three options. “We know Pittsburgh is going to get a quarterback. It doesn’t matter if it’s Ryan Tannehill. Be Russell Wilson. “Whether it’s Justin Fields.” Schefter said on The Pat McAfee Show. “Justin Fields, I know Mike Tomlin is a huge fan of Justin Fields. “We will keep this in mind throughout the offseason and in the coming weeks.”
The Steelers should acquire Fields through a trade with the Chicago Bears. It’s highly unlikely that the Steelers trade Fields and select Penix. In fact, it might take the 20th overall pick to get Fields in a deal. But one thing is clear: the media is calling for the Steelers to upgrade their cornerback room around Kenny Pickett. All means are being considered to achieve this goal, including moving Penix to 20th overall.
