The Cleveland Browns have shown significant interest in several quarterbacks who are also on the Pittsburgh Steelers’ radar ahead of the draft. While both teams wrap up their pre-draft visits, there is some overlap in the players they are evaluating. The Browns, who are drafting second overall, recently met with Shedeur Sanders, a quarterback who could be selected as high as the second pick. The Steelers, picking 21st, are also eyeing Sanders, along with Jalen Milroe and Jaxson Dart, both potential first-round quarterback targets for Pittsburgh. While Cleveland has the advantage of selecting before the Steelers, they can only draft one of these quarterbacks, leaving the others as options for Pittsburgh.
In addition to quarterbacks, Cleveland met with Alabama’s Jalen Milroe and Mississippi’s Jaxson Dart, who are also among Pittsburgh’s top quarterback prospects. Although the Browns are likely to focus on the best available player rather than a quarterback, the Steelers could be keeping a close eye on the same pool of talent. Cleveland, with two third-round picks and an ability to move up or down in the draft, could potentially target a quarterback later in the first round if someone like Sanders falls. This scenario would require Sanders to slide past the Steelers, who also have a strong interest in him.
While the Browns are expected to draft based on talent rather than position, the Steelers’ strategy may not be tied to selecting a quarterback. However, both teams are aiming to strengthen their rosters, with the Steelers likely focusing on defensive players like Abdul Carter or Travis Hunter with their second-overall pick. Additionally, the Browns have multiple picks, including four sixth-round selections, and could use their assets to trade up or down in the draft, similar to their aggressive move to acquire Deshaun Watson in the past.
The Steelers, led by GM Omar Khan, may be more flexible in making moves compared to previous management. However, there are many factors at play as they navigate the draft board. While the Bengals and Ravens are often seen as more likely competitors for players the Steelers might target, the Browns have had mixed results in the draft, despite a few successful selections. Both the Steelers and the Browns are seeking to find their franchise quarterback, but the Browns may be more inclined to look for one in the later part of the first round if Sanders or another top quarterback is available.
If Sanders falls far enough, Cleveland might be tempted to draft him, but this would require him to slip past Pittsburgh, who also has their eyes on the quarterback. The ongoing competition between the two teams adds another layer of intrigue to the upcoming draft, as both franchises look to secure the future of their respective quarterbacks.
