In a move that has sparked plenty of discussion among Pittsburgh Steelers fans, head coach Mike Tomlin has revealed his list of 5 quarterback (QB) draft picks that he believes could help elevate the team in the upcoming season. However, it’s the inclusion of two specific names in the list that has left many Steelers fans upset and frustrated.
5 QBs Included in Tomlin’s Draft List
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Lamar Jackson (Baltimore Ravens)
- Reason: Tomlin believes Lamar Jackson is a dynamic QB who could add versatility to the Steelers’ offense. With his elite running ability and ever-improving passing game, Jackson could open up an unpredictable offensive system for Pittsburgh. However, signing Jackson would be difficult as he currently plays for their rival, the Baltimore Ravens, which raises concerns for many fans.
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Kenny Pickett (Pittsburgh Steelers)
- Reason: Despite being the current starting QB for the Steelers, Tomlin still considers Pickett as a promising choice for the future. Tomlin has noted that Pickett showed significant improvement in the previous season and could become the reliable leader the Steelers need. The progress Pickett has made is a positive sign for the team’s future.
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Aaron Rodgers (New York Jets)
- Reason: Tomlin views Aaron Rodgers as a QB who could bring stability and experience to the Steelers. Although Rodgers is in the later stages of his career, he is still regarded as one of the best QBs in NFL history due to his incredible game management and playmaking ability. However, the inclusion of Rodgers in the draft list has angered many Steelers fans. Given his history with Green Bay Packers and now the New York Jets, many fans believe bringing him in would be a controversial move, considering his ties to Pittsburgh’s competitors.
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Deshaun Watson (Cleveland Browns)
- Reason: Tomlin sees potential in Deshaun Watson, whose talent was proven during his time with the Houston Texans. If Watson regains his form after dealing with off-field issues, he could be a strong addition to the team with his strong arm and mobility. However, Watson’s inclusion in the list has sparked major outrage. His past legal troubles have made him a divisive figure, and many Steelers fans feel that signing him would tarnish the team’s image and culture.
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Jimmy Garoppolo (Las Vegas Raiders)
- Reason: Tomlin sees Garoppolo as a stable QB with strong leadership skills. While not known for having the flashiest arm, Garoppolo is reliable in terms of managing the game and leading an offense. Tomlin believes Garoppolo could help maintain stability and improve Pittsburgh’s offensive flow in critical situations.
The Two Names Causing an Uproar
While Tomlin’s rationale for each of these picks is based on building a competitive team, the inclusion of Aaron Rodgers and Deshaun Watson has stirred up considerable frustration among Steelers fans.
Aaron Rodgers – While Rodgers is undoubtedly talented and could bring much-needed experience, many Steelers fans are upset at the thought of bringing in a player with such strong ties to their rivals like the Green Bay Packers and now the New York Jets. The idea of a competitor quarterback leading Pittsburgh doesn’t sit well with many, causing a backlash against the decision.
Deshaun Watson – Despite Watson’s on-field abilities, his off-field controversies have made him one of the most polarizing figures in the NFL. Fans are furious at the thought of the Steelers potentially signing a player who has been involved in so much legal trouble. Many argue that adding Watson to the team would damage Pittsburgh’s reputation and alienate its fanbase, as well as go against the values that the Steelers franchise has long stood for.
Conclusion
While Mike Tomlin has provided valid reasoning for each of these QB draft picks, the inclusion of Aaron Rodgers and Deshaun Watson has sparked significant controversy. Steelers fans, who are known for their loyalty to the team’s values, are questioning whether these decisions align with the franchise’s traditions.
As the offseason continues, fans will closely watch the Steelers’ moves and hope that Tomlin and the front office make decisions that will set the team on a path to success. Steelers Nation remains eager to see who will ultimately become the QB of the future, but for now, the inclusion of Rodgers and Watson is a source of much frustration for the faithful.
