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Quarterback Scouting Thread

Badcat said:
Now you're just picking at sticks. You know damn well that Franklin played everything tight and **** the bed in big moments. Perhaps Allar went off script or perhaps the head coach had a "they'll never expect a go ball", who knows. I'm just glad that **** show is all over!
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Absolutely. Franklin had his faults. But like @diver likes to say, sometimes the blame has to go onto the shoulders of the players. Those Oregon and Notre Dame games were completely winnable. Allar had the chance to prove himself and lead his team to wins on big stages, and he choked. You know that and, deep down, his uncle does too.
 
Meh, I just dont see Allar happening unless he falls really far, and he wont based solely on physical attributes..
Honestly last year Howard fell further than expected so they took him.. but honestly a sixth or seventh rounder has a low chance of even making the roster, so those gambles are fine...

I just think AR2 expects to compete this season.. abd that means qb2 and QB 3 wont both be guys with zero starts in the NFL... if they draft a kid, then Ultimately keep him, Howard is out. And they do seem to like Howard.. i dont see Allar falling to the sixth or seventh where his value outweighs the lack of a logical roster spot
 
madinsomniac said:
If they are keeping howard, they wont take a qb before the sixth... who could be put on the PS if need be.. a fourth isnt a throwaway pick, and teams dont go into a season with a new HC and new offensive system with two virtual rookies at QB .. even if Will howard won QB 2 in camp, QB 3 will be a mason rudolph/skylar Thompson type vet...
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I really can’t see keeping Howard as precluding them from taking a pick on day 1-2.

Dude hasn’t played a single snap and was a 6th round throw away pick.

A smart team would add more young talent because 2 young prospects or even 3 yields a much higher percentage chance of actually getting a hit at the most important position than 1 completely untested throw away 6th rounder does.

They need a QB

Like 5 years ago
 
Fiji Mariner said:
I really can’t see keeping Howard as precluding them from taking a pick on day 1-2.

Dude hasn’t played a single snap and was a 6th round throw away pick.

A smart team would add more young talent because 2 young prospects or even 3 yields a much higher percentage chance of actually getting a hit at the most important position than 1 completely untested throw away 6th rounder does.

They need a QB

Like 5 years ago
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I don't think it will be Howard that precludes them from taking a QB in the first two rounds. I think the lack of talent at the position will. Will they in round 3? Very possible, especially with 3 picks in that round as of now. I agree, they need to take some shots at the position, but the meat of the draft is on day 2. I hope they use it accordingly in building a strong team around the eventual QB. It would make the QBs job so much easier, especially if they're not the cream of the crop. I don't see how they go higher than the 4th but that's me. I don't see a QB taken in the top 100 this year that is going to impact the team more than a player taken at another position of need.
 
If Allar or Beck is around in rd 2 I jump at it. Let Mason start the year, Howard 2nd, rookie 3rd. Or if Howard wins camp, reverse 1 & 2. Rookie sits and learns either way.
 
topseed said:
Where the f*ck did I say that?

And yet Allar won't go in round one, because despite his glorious physical traits, even the Browns know he doesn't have what it takes above his neck.

YOU said that Allar is undisputedly "the most talented quarterback in this draft. Period." That would include him being more talented than Mendoza, would it not? So mental acuity at the QB position means nothing to you?

And you've gone out on a limb to say that Drew Allar is more talented than said Heisman winner and projected #1 overall pick. Which, again, only makes it somewhat likely that you're his uncle.

I haven't watched the other quarterbacks nearly to the same extent, but the dude from Arkansas seems like an interesting prospect. Maybe you and DK can pop some video up on Taylen Green, and see what a tall quarterback with outstanding speed actually looks like. Not a guy who runs like he has a load in his pants pretending to be some kind of dual-threat player.
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I do think Allar has more talent than Mendoza, but Mendoza is further ahead in the mental aspect. Part of that is he played in an offense that fit his strengths. Plus, he had WRs that made tons on circus catches for him.

I don't get why you're hung up on this "talent" thing. Josh Allen was clearly the most talented QB in his draft but wasn't the first picked. It happens all the time. Allen took 3 years to develop. I don;t want to sink multiple years into developing a guy who can be Kirk Cousins level.
The draft is a projection. I want the players with upside, not a bunch of safe picks. That's how the steelers had a bunch of mediocre drafts in Colberts last few years. Maybe that was Tomlin's doing.

I'd rather they sign Willis. He already has a few years in a similar system. But if the choice of a high pick is Simpson or Allar, I'd rather take the chance on Allar's upside.
 
Fiji Mariner said:
I really can’t see keeping Howard as precluding them from taking a pick on day 1-2.

Dude hasn’t played a single snap and was a 6th round throw away pick.

A smart team would add more young talent because 2 young prospects or even 3 yields a much higher percentage chance of actually getting a hit at the most important position than 1 completely untested throw away 6th rounder does.

They need a QB

Like 5 years ago
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As I said, thats if they are hellbent on keeping Howard.. all everyone in that org has done all offseason is talk the guy up, so that does seem to be the case... if they are gonna be open to cutting him, yeah another QB3 could be brought in for this draft...

But here is what we know:
1. art 2 believes they are in contention, not a rebuild
2. Teams in contention do not have inexperienced qbs at QB2.
3. Teams swapping offensive systems also arent prone to having multiple developmental qbs year 1
4. So far:
the Owner - "We had pretty good feedback on Will Howard being somebody that people would like to have an opportunity to work with," Rooney said

The new Coach- calling the second-year player a
"moldable block of clay" with high upside. Upon his hiring in Jan 2026, McCarthy stated he is "real excited" and "anxious to work" with Howard....

The probable QB1- "I'm a big Will Howard—not just fan as a human—but believer as a player, that when his time comes, he's going to be more than capable of being, not just a consistent starter, but a guy who can stick in the league for a long, long time"

Have all gone out of their way to Rave about the kids potential, so they like him a lot...

5. 1st,2nd,3rd and 4th round picks are basically locks to make a roster year 1.

So if they really feel they are contenders and that Howard is a diamond in the rough, why would they commit a solid draft pick to a qb they aren't gonna have a roster spot for?

Even if McCarthy is confident enough to keep him at QB2 this year to up his reps, they still will have a Mason Rudolph type on the roster as an O **** option in case the starter gets hurt and Howard cant cut it..

Now spending a low round pick on a camp arm with potential is a different story... those can sometimes get PS'd or at least offer some camp injury protection... that may happen.. but drafting a guy top 4 rounds means he is on the roster and that means howard isnt... and i dont feel like that is their plan right now based on their own words
 
Crossdogblitz said:
I don't think it will be Howard that precludes them from taking a QB in the first two rounds. I think the lack of talent at the position will. Will they in round 3? Very possible, especially with 3 picks in that round as of now. I agree, they need to take some shots at the position, but the meat of the draft is on day 2. I hope they use it accordingly in building a strong team around the eventual QB. It would make the QBs job so much easier, especially if they're not the cream of the crop. I don't see how they go higher than the 4th but that's me. I don't see a QB taken in the top 100 this year that is going to impact the team more than a player taken at another position of need.
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I’d wager one of those 4 day 2 picks will be spent on a QB if Simpson wasn’t taken in the first. Sure hope they don’t take Simpson in the first.

I see at least 2-5 QBs in that could impact the team more than a WR, T, G, DL, LB or DB would…assuming said QB isn’t hiding behind a dinosaur.
 
I think the Steelers and Ayahuasca A-Ron are waiting to see how the early FA market sets QB compensation. Then they will make a deal in the context of this years market. The Steelers got a good deal on him last year, so I'd imagine that terms this year, with lots of cap space will be more generous.

If that is the plan, then I think they need some experience at QB2/3 and look to upgrade from both Rudy and Howard, but only if a far better option, for $ and future potential shows.

Who knows, maybe McCarthey loves Nussmeier or Allar or Cooper Rush.

I'd be really tempted to put Howard at QB2 and live with that, and take a shot at another developmental project at either QB3 or PS, and plan for 26 to be boom or bust, with a need to test Howard at some point.

The poor finish to last season robbed the ability to evaluate Howard; that is on the pvs staff, but what a blunder.
 
madinsomniac said:
As I said, thats if they are hellbent on keeping Howard.. all everyone in that org has done all offseason is talk the guy up, so that does seem to be the case... if they are gonna be open to cutting him, yeah another QB3 could be brought in for this draft...

But here is what we know:
1. art 2 believes they are in contention, not a rebuild
2. Teams in contention do not have inexperienced qbs at QB2.
3. Teams swapping offensive systems also arent prone to having multiple developmental qbs year 1
4. So far:
the Owner - "We had pretty good feedback on Will Howard being somebody that people would like to have an opportunity to work with," Rooney said

The new Coach- calling the second-year player a
"moldable block of clay" with high upside. Upon his hiring in Jan 2026, McCarthy stated he is "real excited" and "anxious to work" with Howard....

The probable QB1- "I'm a big Will Howard—not just fan as a human—but believer as a player, that when his time comes, he's going to be more than capable of being, not just a consistent starter, but a guy who can stick in the league for a long, long time"

Have all gone out of their way to Rave about the kids potential, so they like him a lot...

5. 1st,2nd,3rd and 4th round picks are basically locks to make a roster year 1.

So if they really feel they are contenders and that Howard is a diamond in the rough, why would they commit a solid draft pick to a qb they aren't gonna have a roster spot for?

Even if McCarthy is confident enough to keep him at QB2 this year to up his reps, they still will have a Mason Rudolph type on the roster as an O **** option in case the starter gets hurt and Howard cant cut it..

Now spending a low round pick on a camp arm with potential is a different story... those can sometimes get PS'd or at least offer some camp injury protection... that may happen.. but drafting a guy top 4 rounds means he is on the roster and that means howard isnt... and i dont feel like that is their plan right now based on their own words
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Agree with almost all of this, in what they will likely do BUT that doesn’t make it smart imo

QB is a NEED that should be filled by any means necessary and what they have been doing isn’t anything even remotely close to addressing the need. Aaron doesn’t address that need either imho.

With protected ps players stashing a 2nd development QB there is relatively easy and imo where the mid round QB/Howard end up depending on who proves better.

We’ll see soon but if I had to predict you’re likely right that they’ll keep with not addressing the need.

Hopefully Howard is that 1 in 100 guy if they go that route
 
What does everyone want the Steelers to do at QB? I see a lot of what we don't want...

Rodgers is old and not good enough.
Will Howard isn't ready.
Malik Willis will cost too much as the 21st highest-paid QB.
Mac Jones trade will cost too much.
Kyler Murray stinks.
Ty Simpson isn't good enough.
Drew Allar is bad, maybe a 4th.
Wait until next year...

I'm not sure there's a realistic QB who anyone wants.
 
SteelerFan448 said:
I'd be okay with it, fully trusting Mike McCarthy's QB evaluation. The Steelers have needs everywhere with QB being far and away the top need. We're paying him a lot of money to coach up the next young QB for this franchise.

Waiting a year could be interesting.

Julian Sayin and Arch Manning will battle for the top spot--I think it will go to Manning assuming moderate improvement. As long as Dante Moore stays the course, he should go top-5 as well. Seriously, if these guys don't bomb, we will see 3 QBs go in the top 5 picks. The rest becomes a crapshoot.

Maiava, Sellers, Sorsby all have the size and arm talent, but questions. I'd love for Maiava or Sorsby to light it up and be in range for the Steelers. Sellers just has too many questions for me, particularly his lack of TD passes.

Chambliss lacks size yet showed he can be electric in a big-game setting. Still, that size issue is significant, IMO.

Leavitt and Mateer are a combination of Baker-lite or a max upside of Bo Nix, IMO.
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The QB battle next year will be how well can Chambliss distance himself from Manning.

Both have the clutch gene and will play the same talent level throughout the season...
 
SteelerFan448 said:
What does everyone want the Steelers to do at QB? I see a lot of what we don't want...

Rodgers is old and not good enough.
Will Howard isn't ready.
Malik Willis will cost too much as the 21st highest-paid QB.
Mac Jones trade will cost too much.
Kyler Murray stinks.
Ty Simpson isn't good enough.
Drew Allar is bad, maybe a 4th.
Wait until next year...

I'm not sure there's a realistic QB who anyone wants.
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Sign Malick Willis and go with the cost / risk, even at $26 yr / 2 year

Draft Allar, possibly 2nd round, but for certain rnd 3 (don’t risk to lose him)

Keep Red Nose

Stash Allar or Howard pending on who wins training camp.




Salute the nation
 
Why isnt Will Howard Ready?

i would rather play and lose with 2 qb's competing for the starting job.
Not 42 yr old 1 yr rental again.

hell with kyler murray.. He had his chance . Not good enough.
Mason, not good enough, but i like his abilities and attitude, although probably a back up.

Dont know enough about malik willis, im not a qb guru.

Im for drafting a prospect, just not in first 2 rounds.. Too many needs.
 
bermudasteel said:
The QB battle next year will be how well can Chambliss distance himself from Manning.

Both have the clutch gene and will play the same talent level throughout the season.
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now-that-the-season-is-officially-over-lets-take-a-look-v0-zds0GDHsjZQGPdU8AShUfiwcoJl3t1icF5dlA-g-jzY.jpg
 
If Kyler Murray is willing to sign for anywhere near the veteran minimum, he would be the clear choice for me over Rodgers in the $10-15 million range. Absolute no-brainer.
 
topseed said:
If Kyler Murray is willing to sign for anywhere near the veteran minimum, he would be the clear choice for me over Rodgers in the $10-15 million range. Absolute no-brainer.
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If he signs for more than vet min, it messed with the money the cards owe him. It's the Russell Wilson situation exactly. He'll sign somewhere for one year at vet min, and hope he plays into a long term deal.
 
My solution:

2026
QB1 Ayahuasca A-Ron starts
QB2 Howard and frequently mops up (up or down big)
QB3 Allar/Thompson or similar.

Don't understand how Rudy serves any purpose other than Tomlinship.

2027
With actual game experience from Howard, a deeper QB draft class can work into Steeler needs/plan.
 
xjx said:
But Rudy is cheap. He ain't leaving.
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And more proven than Howard, Thompson or any of the draft picks…proven to be mid, but proven none the less.

Cheap and mid both are solid qualifiers for a QB2

Hopefully he is displaced by a cheaper option with greater upside potential soon, but a team
Can do worse in regards to talent or salary for their QB2.
 
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