When we say Ben Roethlisberger is the GOAT, it’s probably just a big-ol’ understatement. Big Ben isn’t just your old Steelers legend, he’s the legend. Coming into the league in 2004 and winning a Super Bowl in his second season is no joke. This dude was the definition of performance. So when your veteran QB says something about the draft strategies, it doesn’t matter who you are (looking at you, Mike Tomlin), you have got to at least listen to what the guy has to say.
When Big Ben dropped his episode of Footbahlin with Ben Roethlisberger, he had some interesting pointers to share for the 2025 NFL Draft. And we listened to what he had to say, especially his thoughts on running back Jaylen Warren. Warren, now entering his 4th season, has signed a restricted free-agency tender, sealing in his $5.35M salary. Mike Tomlin himself believes in Warren’s skills.
Tomlin said: “I certainly feel comfortable with his ability to do so. He got hampered by injury in 2024. He appears to be ready to answer that. I know he’s really excited about his opportunity. I don’t think that myself or anyone in the organization question his talents in regards to managing, the ability to manage, potentially that role.” So, that’s settled then, we can expect great things from Jaylen Warren this year. But what does Big Ben think?
On the show, he was asked, “Do we stick with Jaylen Warren or draft a running back in the first or third round since we lost our second rounder for DK?” Big Ben replied, “I think Jaylen’s a perfect example. I would try and go late rounds. I would try and go four, five, maybe there’s a guy, you know, that that’s where I would go. I wouldn’t go before third round with a running back. I think there’s more important needs. – I think Jaylen can do a lot… I would consider in the fourth, but again, if there’s a guy there in the third you’re like, man, this is a dude we need to have, then I would do it.” Translation? Don’t mess with Warren unless you find a game-changing player.
They have good RBs. Aside from Warren, there’s also Kenneth Gainwell – ex-Eagles’ running back – who signed a one-year contract with Steelers in March. There’s a rumor going around for another RB – D’Andre Swift who could be traded from the Bears. As far as WRs go, George Pickens and DK Metcalf will work great together for the Steelers. GM Omar Khan himself has said on an occasion, “We’re glad we have George and DK here – I think they are going to be exciting for everyone to watch.” And let’s face it, the Steeler really do have “more important needs” that they need to address.
Missing pieces for Mike Tomlin
Well, we have said it enough times already. The Steelers are in QB limbo. They need a new QB and Aaron Rodgers (if he actually makes up his mind) will only be a temporary solution, and not a very reliable one given his past two seasons. They’ve looked at Matthew Golden and Quinn Ewers for the QB role. They’ve let go of Larry Ogunjubi at DL and signed Daniel Ekuale. There’s Cam Heyward to add depth to DL already. Plus they’ve given up their 2nd round pick to add DK Metcalf to their ranks.
NFL, American Football Herren, USA Cincinnati Bengals at Pittsburgh Steelers Jan 4, 2025 Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin looks at the scoreboard against the Cincinnati Bengals during the second quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Pittsburgh Acrisure Stadium Pennsylvania USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xBarryxReegerx 20250104_gma_ii9_0467
James Palmer of Bleacher Report believes Jayden Higgins could be a good fit at WR, while Emeka Egbuka has also been floated as a potential pick. George Pickens is entering his last year of contract and if the Steelers don’t offer him an extension, he might walk next year, he deserves an extension too, with his performance. But are the Steelers considering it? Or will they take a bet on a new WR?
Additionally, if the Steelers get a chance to sign Shedeur Sanders, they won’t pass up on it. Whether they go for a new QB, or an old one, or go an entirely different way, there are too many questions at this point and not very clear answers. But the draft is finally here, and we won’t have to bang our heads against the wall trying to figure it out anymore. We’ll just have to wait a few more days and see how things unfold. What are your thoughts on this year’s prospects?
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