2025 NFL Draft: ESPN insiders debate Shedeur Sanders, Jalen Milroe as better fit with Steelers

After falling out of the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, two intriguing quarterbacks are still on the board as Day 2 gets underway. Shedeur Sanders and Jalen Milroe are available, and both have been linked to the Pittsburgh Steelers – who don’t have a second-round pick.

On NFL Live Friday, ESPN’s crew of analysts broke down which player would be a better fit in Pittsburgh if he fell to the No. 83 overall pick in the third round, which is the next time the franchise is set to pick. To Marcus Spears, Sanders could be the better option, and insider Peter Schrager agreed. Dan Orlovsky, however, vouched for Milroe.

As for former Steeler Ryan Clark, he continued to call for Pittsburgh to select Sanders. However, his reason wasn’t so much about on-field fit. Instead, Clark noted the way Sanders would fit the culture in Pittsburgh.

“The personality fit is better for Shedeur in Pittsburgh,” Clark said. “There is an authenticity to the way that he behaves, whether you love it or not, that fits with the vibe of what Coach Tomlin is and what that locker room is. Jalen is manicured almost to a fault, to me, sometimes.”

A look at Shedeur Sanders, Jalen Milroe’s 2024 stats

Sanders put together a standout senior season at Colorado in 2024, leading the nation with a 74% completion percentage. He also totaled 4,134 passing yards and 37 touchdowns while leading the Buffaloes to a bowl game as part of an impressive turnaround under his father, Deion.

Shedeur Sanders also visited the Steelers and spoke highly of the experience. However, Pittsburgh went in another direction at No. 21 overall and selected defensive tackle Derrick Harmon as the heir apparent to Cam Heyward at the position. Because they traded their second-rounder for wide receiver DK Metcalf, the Steelers entered Friday without a pick until the third round.

As for Jalen Milroe, he presents an intriguing case because of his dual-threat ability. He threw for 2,844 yards and 16 touchdowns in 2024 while adding 726 rushing yards and 20 touchdowns on the ground at Alabama. However, there are questions about his accuracy, which led to questions about whether he’d go as a first-round pick.

Now, Sanders and Milroe will wait to see how Friday goes and if their names get called. The 2025 NFL Draft continues with Rounds 2-3 at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN2 and ABC.