The Senior Bowl practices will kick off on Tuesday in Mobile, Ala., and are worth keeping an eye on for NFL draftniks.
Last year, 10 of the players who participated at the Senior Bowl were selected in the first round of the draft, including Steelers' first-round pick Troy Fautanu. There were 35 players from the 2024 Senior Bowl selected in the second and third rounds of the draft, including center Zach Frazier and wide receiver Roman Wilson, the team's second and third-round picks.
By the completion of the draft, 110 players who participated in the 2024 Senior Bowl had been drafted. Included in that group was Steelers' fourth-round selection, linebacker Payton Wilson.
The Steelers' four selections from the Senior Bowl roster might sound like a lot, but there were eight teams that selected five or more players from the 2024 game.
Now, this is not to say the Steelers' first-round or any of their draft picks will come from this year's Senior Bowl roster. But given how solid a group of players the Senior Bowl is scheduled to have in attendance this year, there's a good chance that one or two of the players – if not more – who are on the practice field next week will be future Steelers.
For example, there were 12 quarterbacks selected in last year's draft. Eight of them were at the Senior Bowl.
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin always takes an active role at the Senior Bowl practices. That included last season when Tomlin challenged cornerback Quinyon Mitchell and Wilson at wide receiver to work one-on-one against each other as much as possible at their practices because they were two of the top guys at their respective positions on the rosters.
Also on Wilson's North roster were Florida's Ricky Pearsall, who ended up being selected by the 49ers in the first round, and Luke McCaffery of Rice, a third-round pick of the Commanders.
Of the Steelers' rookies who were at the Senior Bowl last season, the team knows the least at this point about Roman Wilson.
He suffered an ankle injury early in training camp and missed the entire preseason. Wilson made it back, practiced for a few weeks and finally saw action in the Steelers' Week 6 win at Las Vegas, playing five snaps to get his feet wet.
Unfortunately, the following week, he injured his hamstring during practice and landed on the Reserve/Injured List until having his 21-day practice window opened late in the season.
Tomlin thought enough of Wilson at the Senior Bowl a year ago to want him to match up against Mitchell, who wound up being a first-round pick of the Eagles and is a finalist for NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year.
The 2025 season will be a very important one for Wilson, not that it won't be for the other Steelers rookies.
A big jump is expected for all of the team's rookies from Year 1 to Year 2. You can bet that Tomlin challenged Wilson at his season-ending exit meeting with him to be that guy he identified a year ago at the Senior Bowl.
Wilson accepted that challenge a year ago. The guess here is that he'll tackle this challenge, as well.
• While the players considered the top two quarterbacks in this year's draft, Cam Ward of Miami (Fla.) and Shedeur Sanders of Colorado, aren't going to be at the Senior Bowl next week, several of the prospects who are in the running to be selected after those two are going to be there.
That group includes Alabama's Jalen Milroe, Will Howard of Ohio State, Jaxson Dart of Mississippi and Oregon's Dillon Gabriel. Howard, along with Notre Dame's Riley Leonard, who also is on the list to attend the Senior Bowl, just played in the national championship game last Monday night, so it will be interesting to see if he still attends. But it's a good group of quarterbacks.
Beyond the quarterback position, other strong groups include the running backs, wide receivers, edge rushers, defensive tackles and defensive backs.
Cameron Skattebo of Arizona State, Devin Neal of Kansas, Oklahoma State's Ollie Gordon III, Auburn's Jarquez Hunter and Damien Martinez of Miami (Fla.) are among some of the top running backs at this year's Senior Bowl.
At wide receiver, Epic Ayomanor, Xavier Restrep of Miami (Fla.), Savion Williams of TCU, Utah State's Jalen Royals and Jayden Higgins of Iowa State highlight a solid group.
Among the defensive linemen expected to attend are Shemar Stewart and Shemar Turner of Texas A&M, Walter Nolen of Mississippi, Kentucky's Deon Walker, T.J. Sanders of South Carolina, Alfred Collins of Texas and Omarr Norman-Lott of Tennessee.
At edge rusher, Texas A&M's Nic Scourton, Mississippi's Princely Unanmielen and Jared Ivey, Landon Jackson of Arkansas, South Carolina's Kyle Kennard and Donovan Ezeiruaku headline a deep and talented group.
Among the defensive backs slated to participate are Trey Amos of Ole Miss, Maxwell Hairston of Kentucky, Azareye'h Thomas of Florida State, Darien Porter of Iowa State, Xavier Watts of Notre Dame and Andrew Mukuba of Texas.
• With the quarterbacks on hand at the Senior Bowl, next week will be a critical one for the Steelers.
The Steelers don't have any of their three quarterbacks from 2024 under contract for the 2025 season. And while that's likely to change, bringing back the entire group might be unrealistic.
Take a look at the top photos from the Steelers 2024 season
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) blocks a pass attempt from Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (12) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Las Vegas Raiders, Sunday, Oct. 13, 2024 in Las Vegas, NV. The Steelers defeated the Raiders 32-13. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Beanie Bishop Jr. (31) intercepts a pass intended for Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase (1) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals, Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. The Bengals beat the Steelers 19-17. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Van Jefferson (11) catches a pass for a touchdown during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025 in Baltimore, MD. The Ravens beat the Steelers 28-14. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman Spencer Anderson (74) during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025 in Baltimore, MD. The Ravens beat the Steelers 28-14. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) catches a pass for a touchdown during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Washington Commanders, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024 in Landover, MD. The Steelers defeated the Commanders 28-27. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) scores a touchdown during a postseason Wild Card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025 in Baltimore, MD. The Ravens beat the Steelers 28-14. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Keeanu Benton (95), Pittsburgh Steelers safety Damontae Kazee (23), Pittsburgh Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (39) and Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Preston Smith (91) react after breaking up a pass during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Washington Commanders, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024 in Landover, MD. The Steelers defeated the Commanders 28-27. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) in the pocket while Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Broderick Jones (77), Pittsburgh Steelers guard Mason McCormick (66), Pittsburgh Steelers center Zach Frazier (54), Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman Isaac Seumalo (73) and Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Dan Moore Jr. (65) block the Washington Commanders defensive line from advancing during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Washington Commanders, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024 in Landover, MD. The Steelers defeated the Commanders 28-27. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
The Pittsburgh Steelers special teams poses for a photo after recovering a fumble during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Washington Commanders, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024 in Landover, MD. The Steelers defeated the Commanders 28-27. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) reacts after making a catch during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Washington Commanders, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024 in Landover, MD. The Steelers defeated the Commanders 28-27. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Mark Robinson (93) tackles Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Cooper DeJean (33), forcing a fumble during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024 in Philadelphia, PA. The Eagles beat the Steelers 27-13. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) catches a pass during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. The Steelers defeated the Ravens 18-16. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth (88) scores a touchdown during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Washington Commanders, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024 in Landover, MD. The Steelers defeated the Commanders 28-27. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth (88) scores a touchdown during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024 in Philadelphia, PA. The Eagles beat the Steelers 27-13. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth (88) catches a pass during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Jets, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. The Steelers defeated the Jets 37-15. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (39) intercpets a pass during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens, Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024 in Baltimore, MD. The Ravens beat the Steelers 34-17. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) leads the Steelers tight ends, wide receivers and centers out of the tunnel prior to a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. The Steelers defeated the Ravens 18-16. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen (6) rips the ball from Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely (80) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. The Steelers defeated the Ravens 18-16. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) tackles Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry (22) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. The Steelers defeated the Ravens 18-16. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) breaks away from Baltimore Ravens safety Ar'Darius Washington (29) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. The Steelers defeated the Ravens 18-16. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) pressures Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. The Steelers defeated the Ravens 18-16. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) hurdles a defender during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024 in Atlanta, GA. The Steelers defeated the Falcons 18-10. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) strip sacks Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins (18) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024 in Atlanta, GA. The Steelers defeated the Falcons 18-10. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell (9) kicks a field goal as Pittsburgh Steelers punter Corliss Waitman (8) holds the ball during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. The Steelers defeated the Ravens 18-16. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) throws a pass during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. The Steelers defeated the Ravens 18-16. (Arron Anastasia / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (24) reacts during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024 in Denver, CO. The Steelers defeated the Broncos 13-6. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) shakes off Los Angeles Chargers cornerback Kristian Fulton (7) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. The Steelers defeated the Chargers 20-10. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen (6) looks on as United States military planes fly over Acrisure Stadium prior to a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. The Steelers defeated the Chargers 20-10. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) ddives for the pylon during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Kansas City Chiefs, Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. The Chiefs beat the Steelers 29-10. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell (9) kicks a field goal while Pittsburgh Steelers punter Corliss Waitman (8) holds the ball during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. The Steelers defeated the Chargers 20-10. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) and the linebackers circle up for "Who Ride" during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. The Cowboys beat the Steelers 20-17. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields (2) reacts after scoring a touchdown during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. The Steelers defeated the Chargers 20-10. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (30) breaks away for a run during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Kansas City Chiefs, Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. The Chiefs beat the Steelers 29-10. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth (88) scores a touchdown as Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III (19) reacts during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024 in Indianapolis, IN. The Colts beat the Steelers 27-24. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Darnell Washington (80) mows down Indianapolis Colts linebacker E.J. Speed (45) as Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle Taven Bryan (96) looks on during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024 in Indianapolis, IN. The Colts beat the Steelers 27-24. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields (2) scores a touchdown during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024 in Indianapolis, IN. The Colts beat the Steelers 27-24. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) reacts after sacking Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (10) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024 in Denver, CO. The Steelers defeated the Broncos 13-6. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) and Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Nick Herbig (51) sack Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. The Cowboys beat the Steelers 20-17. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) warms up prior to a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024 in Cleveland, OH. The Browns beat the Steelers 24-19. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) reacts after sacking Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4), reaching 100 career sacks during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. The Cowboys beat the Steelers 20-17. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) takes a snap during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. The Steelers defeated the Browns 27-14. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) gets fired up prior to a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. The Steelers defeated the Browns 27-14. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Isaiahh Loudermilk (92) and Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen (6) tackle Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb (24) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024 in Cleveland, OH. The Browns beat the Steelers 24-19. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety DeShon Elliott (25) and Pittsburgh Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (39) hit Cleveland Browns wide receiver Cedric Tillman (19), forcing a fumble during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024 in Cleveland, OH. The Browns defeated the Steelers 24-19. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers guard Mason McCormick (66), Pittsburgh Steelers center Zach Frazier (54), Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman Isaac Seumalo (73), Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Dan Moore Jr. (65), and Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) prepare to snap the ball during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024 in Cleveland, OH. The Browns beat the Steelers 24-19. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (39) breaks up a pass intended for Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers (4) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens, Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024 in Baltimore, MD. The Ravens beat the Steelers 34-17. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Donte Jackson (26) intercepts a pass intended for Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (5) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024 in Cincinnati, OH. The Steelers defeated the Bengals 44-38. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) catches a pass for a touchdown as Cincinnati Bengals safety Geno Stone (22) looks on during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024 in Cincinnati, OH. The Steelers defeated the Bengals 44-38. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) scores a touchdown during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024 in Cincinnati, OH. The Steelers defeated the Bengals 44-38. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) sacks Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024 in Cincinnati, OH. The Steelers defeated the Bengals 44-38. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) pressures New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Jets, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. The Steelers defeated the Jets 37-15. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
The Pittsburgh Steelers offensive line and tight ends prepare to block the New York Giants defensive line as the ball is snapped to Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Giants, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. The Steelers defeated the Giants 26-18. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Beanie Bishop Jr. (31), Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Payton Wilson (41) and Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (24) react after intercepting a pass by New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Jets, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. The Steelers defeated the Jets 37-15. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) celebrates with fans after scoring a touchdown during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Jets, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. The Steelers defeated the Jets 37-15. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Montravius Adams Sr. (57) waits in the tunnel to be introduced prior to a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Jets, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. The Steelers defeated the Jets 37-15. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) hurdles New York Giants cornerback Deonte Banks (3) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Giants, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. The Steelers defeated the Giants 26-18. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive lineman Dean Lowry (94) blocks a kick during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Jets, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. The Steelers defeated the Jets 37-15. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) shoves off New York Jets cornerback Isaiah Oliver (23) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Jets, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. The Steelers defeated the Jets 37-15. (Arron Anastasia / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers guard Mason McCormick (66) and Pittsburgh Steelers center Ryan McCollum (62) block New York Giants defensive tackle D.J. Davidson (98) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Giants, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. The Steelers defeated the Giants 26-18. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
The Pittsburgh Steelers special teams pose for a photo after Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III (19) returned a punt for a touchdown during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Giants, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. The Steelers defeated the Giants 26-18. (Arron Anastasia / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) dives for a first down during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Las Vegas Raiders, Sunday, Oct. 13, 2024 in Las Vegas, NV. The Steelers defeated the Raiders 32-13. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) catches a pass during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Giants, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. The Steelers defeated the Giants 26-18. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) reacts after scoring a touchdown during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Las Vegas Raiders, Sunday, Oct. 13, 2024 in Las Vegas, NV. The Steelers defeated the Raiders 32-13. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi (99) sacks New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Jets, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. The Steelers defeated the Jets 37-15. (Arron Anastasia / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) prepares to throw a pass during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Giants, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. The Steelers defeated the Giants 26-18. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) and Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields (2) celebrate after scoring a touchdown during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Las Vegas Raiders, Sunday, Oct. 13, 2024 in Las Vegas, NV. The Steelers defeated the Raiders 32-13. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
At some point, after all, the Steelers have to take another shot at acquiring a potential quarterback of the future. Even if the Steelers do re-sign either Russell Wilson or Justin Fields as their starter for 2025, they still could be in the market to add a rookie to the group.
They likely won't have an opportunity to select Ward or Sanders, who are expected to be among the top five, if not the top two, picks in the upcoming draft.
But the next group of quarterbacks in this draft will largely be at the Senior Bowl. And it will be the first opportunity for Tomlin and general manager Omar Khan to get a live look at that group in person.
Maybe the Steelers won't be enamoured with anyone from that group. But maybe they will find one or two who intrigue them as prospects.
The team's scouts will have done the initial legwork on all of the players who will be in attendance at the all-star games. The next step is allowing the coaching staff to get eyes on that group and see their practice habits and more as the interview process begins.
• When the Steelers and Tomlin talk about "turnover culture," they're not just speaking about something that is nonsensical.
Teams that have won the turnover margin in the 2024 postseason are 7-0 in the playoffs. Since 2022, the team that has won the turnover margin is 20-1, with the only loss coming by the Bills against the Chiefs in an AFC Divisional game, 27-24. The Bills were plus-1 in that game.
Kansas City, meanwhile, has won an astounding 37 consecutive games in which it has won the turnover margin.
Having Patrick Mahomes helps, but so does winning the turnover margin.
Buffalo, meanwhile, is at plus-27 this season, including the playoffs, after winning the turnover margin by two last Sunday against the Ravens.
• Dale Lolley is co-host of "SNR Drive" on Steelers Nation Radio. Subscribe to the podcast here: Apple Podcast | iHeart Podcast Pittonline@iheartmedia.com
The Steelers were 8-4 in 2024 when winning the turnover margin. They were 2-3 when they did not win the turnover battle and 0-1 when even in turnover margin, with that loss coming to the Ravens in the postseason.
• Had the favored Ravens won their Divisional Playoff game last weekend in Buffalo – a game they lost, 27-25 – the Steelers would have played all four of the finalists in the conference championship games during the regular season.
In those five meetings with those four teams – they obviously played Baltimore twice – they went 2-3 during the regular season, with the three losses all coming during a stretch from Dec. 15 and Dec. 25, with the first two of those games coming on the road.
The Steelers played the Commanders and Ravens in back-to-back weeks on Nov. 10 and 17 and won both of those games.
And no, the other teams asked to play three games in an 11-day span didn't face quite the same road. While Houston, Baltimore and Kansas City also played three games in 11 days, Houston's first game of that stretch came at home against a struggling Miami Dolphins team. The Ravens played the hapless Giants. Kansas City played the Browns.
The Steelers traveled to Philadelphia.
That doesn't excuse what occurred, with the Steelers losing their final five games, but it certainly was a factor in how it occurred.
