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2025 NFL Draft: ESPN pair Jalen Milroe, Pittsburgh Steelers as good fit

IMG_0985by:Griffin McVeigh•04/10/25•

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NCAA Football: ReliaQuest Bowl-Alabama at Michigan
Dec 31, 2024; Tampa, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Milroe (4) drops back to pass against the Michigan Wolverines in the first quarter during the ReliaQuest Bowl at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Jalen Milroe is one of the more polarizing prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft. Teams have to be enamored with the ceiling of Milroe due to his mobility and big-time arm talent. But not everything during his time at Alabama was pretty when forced to become a pocket passer.

So which NFL team is the best fit for Milroe to get his career started? If you ask ESPN’s Benjamin Solak, Pittsburgh is the correct answer. Not just because of the Steelers’ need at quarterback as they play the waiting game with Aaron Rodgers. Pittsburgh has plenty of weapons for Milroe to work with when his number is eventually called, though.

“I’m not convinced the Steelers are the best schematic fit for Milroe, but in the construct of quarterback development, we tend to overweigh the scheme and underweigh the rest of the offensive roster,” Solak said. “The Steelers have two good receivers in DK Metcalf and George Pickens, as well as a young and ascending offensive line. If the running game doesn’t take a step back without Najee Harris, Milroe would have the necessary infrastructure to develop whenever the reps come in Pittsburgh.”

Solak does have the Steelers selecting Milroe in the third round with the No. 83 overall pick. He did note the reported invite to the NFL Draft green room, usually made to guys expected to be taken in the first round. At the same time, Milroe would not be the first quarterback sitting in the green room as teams passed on him.

Once drafting Milroe, many would wonder when he would have an opportunity to start. As mentioned, Pittsburgh is still in the running for Rodgers. Right now, there is no obvious choice for who will be taking the Week 1 snap in September.

There could be a case made for Milroe being the guy. Solak expressed some confidence in Milroe as a “dangerous starter” during his rookie season.

“Milroe is a good enough runner that I could see him being a dangerous starter as early as Year 1, just for how electric he is as a scrambler and short-yardage player,” Solak said.

Back in mid-March, Milroe reportedly met with the Steelers in Tuscaloosa. Multiple teams have been involved throughout the process and Pittsbrugh has been constant throughout. As we get closer to the NFL Draft, you have to imagine there will continue to be smoke between the two.