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Christopher Carter's Steelers chat: 05.01.25
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Christopher Carter
10:02
Let's get ready to rumbleeeee!!!!!!
That Guest Out West
10:03
Everyone is pretty excited about Will Howard.  Why did the Raiders pass on him so many times?  They need a backup/future QB and nobody knows him better than Chip Kelly.  What does that say about him?
Christopher Carter
10:08
This is a good question to start! It should be noted that Will Howard was only with Ohio State for one season and that before the playoffs, his resume was meh. He was outplayed and had an embarrassing mistake in a loss to Oregon, barely got them across the line vs Penn State and played terribly vs. Michigan.

Were it not for that playoff run, Howard's stock would've been even lower. I think that's the main takeaway from why he was available so late.
epiballo
10:08
Howard seems to have all of the tools and has proven his worth in big games. What do they think Ward and Sanders and those chosen ahead of him can do that he can't? Why is his assessed ceiling a good backup QB? They certainly got that royally wrong at least once that I can think of! Thanks!
Christopher Carter
10:15
Well, I've not been on the Shedeur Sanders train, but I will speak on Ward.

Ward's shown the consistency that I think Ward didn't and shows the accuracy and playmaking ability wanted in a franchise quarterback. Howard benefited from one of the best WR units in the country, while Ward had an OK unit.

I personally assessed him as a backup quarterback because he hasn't shown enough to bet on being a franchise quarterback just yet. He has the physical tools to get there, but he has to show more as far as translating those skills to the field as a consistent field general. I think he's a faster Mason Rudolph. But if he's able to show he has the on-field vision/IQ to be a playmaker, he can show he's an everyday star.
epiballo
10:15
AFC North questions: so far this offseason, has Baltimore done enough to maintain their edge? Have the Bengals did enough on defense to complement their offense? Have the Steelers done enough to close the gap with Baltimore (and Cincy). Are the Browns doing enough to not be the Browns? A lot, I know - thanks!
Christopher Carter
10:20
The Ravens are going to be perennial conference threats so long as Lamar Jackson is around, and I liked their addition of Malaki Starks and think they got a steal talent-wise on Mike Green.

I wouldn't be shocked if the Ravens finally punch their ticket to the Super Bowl this year, but the one-and-done NFL Playoffs are always tricky and could continue to be too tough an obstacle.

As for the Bengals, I think they needed to do A LOT more about protecting Joe Burrow AND address the defense. I don't think they did enough on defense and they did not nearly enough on the O-line. Wouldn't be shocked if they're still in 3rd place next year and they miss the playoffs for the 4th time in the 6 years they've had Joe Burrow.|

Browns ... are still the Browns.
MZ
10:20
2026 may be the year of the quarterback, but I can easily imagine a scenario in which the Steelers finish 9-8 or 10-7, sit around 20 in the draft order, and don't have the capital to leap into the top 6 or 8 (even that might not be enough to get a surefire star). Which is to say I hope the Steelers stink up the joint this year. Am I overthinking this?
Christopher Carter
10:28
I think you might be overthinking this!

Remember, the Steelers traded up from 20 to 10 in 2019 for Devin Bush and only gave up a second and a third on top of the first round swap.

I fully expect about 3-6 quarterbacks to be in the first round range next draft, and that wouldn't require a pick to be traded inside of the top five.

Since 2017, here are franchise quarterbacks selected who weren't the top quarterback in their draft and selected outside of the top five overall picks:

Justin Herbert, Jordan Love, Jalen Hurts, Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, Patrick Mahomes.

The Steelers will have ammunition for a trade, and even if it's not in the top five picks, they should have a chance to get a good player!
Tom M.
10:28
The Steelers spent a lot of draft capital on the OL in the previous couple of years but still have question marks there except for Frazier. They also didn’t do anything in FA or the draft to improve depth, especially at OT.  Jones is a huge question mark, Seumalo only has one year left, Fautanu has promise but needs to prove it and stay healthy and McCormick is OK but needs to improve to be a good long term quality starter. Am I overly pessimistic and how do you feel about the OL for this year and going forward? You do a good job with the film reviews and I’m sure have a better idea about how good these guys are.
Christopher Carter
10:32
I think the OL is the biggest question mark for this team in 2025. They NEED it to become a proficient unit if not elite. Everyone has to prove themselvs on this line, even Frazier. I think their picks this year are trusting their past picks will hit while addressing other needs.

Thanks for the compliments on my film work! I think there's a good ceiling for this group and a legitimate chance they're a talented unit, but they've got to go prove it.
Guest
10:32
Hey Chris what was the best Steelers draft pick for the value. Second Part who was your favorite UDFA we added and who might fight for the 53 man roster
Christopher Carter
10:34
I'd say Kaleb Johnson as far as value, and I really liked Sebastian Castro as I thought he was a solid fourth round safety option that they got without a pick used.
Steelmann58
10:34
Hey Chris top 6 2026 college Qb
Christopher Carter
10:36
Let's gooooooo!
Here are mine:
1) Arch Manning
2) LaNorris Sellers
3) Garrett Nussmeier
4) Nico Iamaleava
5) Drew Allar
6) Cade Klubnik

These are just rough projections based off the film I've studied (which is a light amount compared to the 2025 prospects I've reviewed). They're subject to change based off how they play this year, but I think even if only 4 of these guys are available next year, the Steelers have a good chance to get their guy.
Linus
10:36
Do you think the Steelers should have done anything differently in the draft?
Christopher Carter
10:37
Biggest thing I do wonder about is cornerback. I don't know if trading back would've allowed them to still get Derrick Harmon, but if they were able to trade back, get Harmon AND add a future cornerback, it would've completed the draft more for me.

That, or drafting an interior offensive lineman like Tate Ratledge out of Georgia.
PODOG
10:37
Morning Chris I wish they would just give up on Rodgers but I guess that won't happen. Anyway I love the physicality but do you see them picking up any OLmen as backups?
Christopher Carter
10:38
I wouldn't put it past them to explore those options! I thought they might add at guard or tackle in the draft and they did neither!
Lou
10:38
Chris, every year after every draft every team and its fans thinks they are in good shape and have high hopes. For years the Steelers have let us down. Why should THIS draft and THIS team give us any hope?
Christopher Carter
10:43
This was a foundation-building draft. I think Omar Khan is securing the floor for the organization with this draft and picking several pieces that will work long term. But they still need a bigger playmaker at quarterback. That just wasn't available this year.

I think this draft should give you confidence they understand their weaknesses (run defense, right style of RB for a team that wants to run the ball with zone schemes a lot).
10:44
(Didn't mean to finish that response).

For me, the Steelers' biggest thing they need to see this year is the development of the recent Omar Khan picks. The OL especially, but also Joey Porter Jr., Keanu Benton, etc. They get that along with good production from the rookies and the Steelers will be in position for making 2026 the year to make that leap with the right quarterback.
Farmtastic
10:44
Nice to see you doing chats now too Mr. Carter. It seems the local media is pretty pleased overall with the way the draft went down for Pit. (Me too) However the national media continues to tear Pit down for not taking Sanders, giving them D draft grades and so forth. Do they think Sanders would stop Derrick Henry from running for 200yds, and prevent teams from hanging 21 pts on Pit's D in the first half? Seems like they're just doubling down on out of touch, garbage takes.
Christopher Carter
10:47
Thanks Farm!

I just think some people really think Shedeur Sanders is the next star quarterback and that the Steelers not taking him is a mistake.

Personally, I like Shedeur Sanders for what he did at Jackson State--I'm an HBCU-grad--and liked things he did at Colorado. But that doesn't cloud my vision enough to overlook the lack of specific enough NFL traits to be a first round pick. I'm just not on the same page as these people who think that he is.

And yes, solidifying the run defense was vital in a draft that had several high-end prospects who could help there.
Farmtastic
10:48
Who do you think will be the odd man out in Cleveland's QB room? Any traction to the "trade one of the rookies" rumor? The whole thing is odd even for the Browns.
Christopher Carter
10:55
For me, it's Dillon Gabriel. I still do not know WHY they picked him. Bizarre decision. And yes, very odd, even for the Browns.
Bubbymopsupfornobody!
10:55
Chris do u sleep? Seriously, thank you for all of your hard work. My question is about D. Harmon’s labrum and rotator cuff. Are they both torn completely? Just the labrum and the cuff partially? Thanks!
Christopher Carter
10:57
Hahaha.

I'm trying to sleep more. From what I've understood, his injuries are expected to be healed enough to be ready for camp. I don't know much more than that expectation, so I couldn't comment with accuracy on how severe his injury last year was.
Say Hey Kid
10:57
Chris, how/why did you go from law school to writing for the PG?  Really like your work as well as all the sports guys at the PG.
Christopher Carter
11:00
Thanks!

Long story short, I started blogging on the Steelers when I was an unpaid intern at the Federal Public Defender's office in Allegheny County during my second year in law school.

After that, I kept up with it as a side hustle until I kept growing in the industry and getting more chances to show what I had to bring to the table. Eventually, I started making more with my writing/podcasting/TV/radio and decided to commit to that as a career, and I'm blessed to be on such a good team here!
Bubbymopsupfornobody!
11:01
If old man Rodgers spurns the Steelers to play himself in Weekend at Bernie’s 3 do you expect the Steelers to go after Wentz (guy has been toast for seven years) or perhaps dangle a late rounder next year to lure unibrowed Joe Flacco from the Uber crowded, Browns’ qb room?
Christopher Carter
11:03
I think if Rodgers doesn't come the Steelers do sign/trade for a low level experienced starter. They said they want 4 quarterbacks, they'll find that fourth. I'd prefer Flacco to Wentz.
Steelmann58
11:03
Hi Chris everyone has their idea for the top  4 QB for the 2026 draft. Your thoughts on the Baylor QB
Christopher Carter
11:05
Sawyer Robertson has potential with his size, but he needs to show more against better competition. Lost to all his ranked opponents last season and got outdueled by Shedeur Sanders last season. Don't foresee him being a high pick without a major leap.
Bubbymopsupfornobody!
11:07
Do you expect the Steelers to ride with Calvin Anderson and Dylan Cook as back ups at OT or pick up a veteran free agent or training camp casualty in August?
Christopher Carter
11:07
I think both of those players will be the top options, but I do expect additions to be made there.
TV
11:07
I like the Will Howard pick - he played great football in the playoff run leading up to a National Championship and he was great on Jon Gruden's QB class series.  Assuming Rodgers signs, Howard will be the #3 QB or, at best, #2 (if Rodgers doesn't sign) for this upcoming season.  Will that give him enough reps for the Steelers to decide if he has developed enough to possibly be the #1 in 2026?
Christopher Carter
11:11
I do not think Howard will get many chances to play this year and will be a backup quarterback behind who they draft next season.
Max
11:11
Aaron Rodgers made a comment on the Pat McAfee show that money wasn't the issue and he'd play for $10 million. So is that the number we can expect him to actually be paid by the Steelers?
Christopher Carter
11:11
Honestly, what leverage does he have now? $10M seems like a good number for both sides.
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