Tomlin Praises Steelers Draft Target After Visit

The Pittsburgh Steelers, weeks after the pursuit of Aaron Rodgers began, seem to be on a collision course with his potential successor.

It isn’t overly likely that Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders falls to No. 21, but as the Cleveland Browns and New York Giants remain in strong position to pivot away from a passer, the chances the floor falls out from Sanders’ stock continue to increase. Whether that comes to fruition (potentially in range for a Round 1 trade) or not is yet to be seen, but there’s a collision course coming into view.

As such, head coach Mike Tomlin was asked about the passer during his pre-draft press conference. He was quick to praise the Steelers' draft target, reflecting on his recent 30 visit.

“We didn't talk a whole lot about my relationship with his father,” Tomlin said. “It was a normal pre-draft visit. To spend time with a young man, to talk ball, to get to know him as an individual, to get to see how he processes and sees the game, and how he articulates his football experience. From that standpoint, it was a very normal visit and a very productive one."

Sanders, of course, is the son of Pro Football Hall of Famer and Colorado head coach Deion Sanders. Coach Prime has been his son’s coach well before he reached Power 5 football in 2023, and it’s a point of contention within draft circles.

Will Deion Sanders become an issue? Will Shedeur Sanders benefit from that separation?

The questions aren’t entirely unfair, but having such strong infrastructure like Pittsburgh does with Tomlin should insulate the situation.

Tomlin also made sure to speak highly of the quarterback on the field, where he’ll hope to make a living as an efficient pocket passer.

"There's a toughness there that doesn't get talked about enough," Tomlin said. "There's a competitive spirit there that doesn't get talked about enough. I know he is very talented and he's made a lot of plays for his university and his team. The intangible qualities displayed on tape were very impressive to me."

Pittsburgh is now among the favorites to land Sanders, paving a path to a chaotic draft night. With the ability to start from the jump and a perpetual standing in the spotlight, it wouldn’t take long for Sanders to become the center of the Steelers’ universe.