Mike Tomlin reportedly could 'advocate' for Steelers to draft this QB

A Thursday story indicated that the Pittsburgh Steelers will not select Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe during the 2025 NFL Draft, even if "Milroe is sitting there in the third round." 

According to Sportskeeda consulting editor and NFL Draft analyst Tony Pauline, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin may be hoping that Colorado's Shedeur Sanders falls to Pittsburgh at pick No. 21. 

"For a while now," Pauline explained in a story published on Thursday, "there's been speculation that the Steelers could take a signal-caller with their first pick in the draft, and most of the focus has been on Alabama's Jalen Milroe. But I'm told that head coach Mike Tomlin really likes Sanders, sees his potential and is in favor of drafting the CU quarterback. Though I was not directly told that Tomlin would pound the table for Sanders, it seems he'll advocate for the signal-caller once Pittsburgh is called to the clock, assuming he's available." 

Sanders' alleged stock has become the most fascinating story of the pre-draft process. As of Friday morning, DraftKings Sportsbook listed the New Orleans Saints as the betting favorites at +195 odds to draft Sanders at some point. However, ESPN's Adam Schefter (h/t Sports Illustrated) reported during Thursday's edition of the "NFL Live" program that "people around the league" do not "believe the Saints are taking Shedeur Sanders." 

Neither the Cleveland Browns (pick No. 2) nor the New York Giants (No. 3) are expected to take Sanders with their first draft selections. 

Draft guru Dane Brugler of The Athletic is among those who think the Saints will pass on Sanders at No. 9. In his latest mock draft, Brugler had the polarizing prospect going to the Steelers at choice No. 21. 

The Steelers still don't know if Aaron Rodgers will join the club ahead of training camp or remain unsigned through the summer. Pauline indicated Rodgers' status won't impact Pittsburgh's draft strategy. 

"The choice of Sanders makes a lot of sense for the team, as he'll sit behind whoever is the starting quarterback for Pittsburgh in 2025. I'm told Tomlin is not afraid to go into the season with (longtime backup) Mason Rudolph as his starting quarterback, as the team will lean on defense and their running game," Pauline added.