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Athlon Mock Draft Suggests Steelers Eye SEC QB to Replace Aaron Rodgers
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- Athlon Mock Draft Suggests Steelers Eye SEC QB to Replace Aaron Rodgers
Athlon Sports NFL Draft analyst Luke Easterling believes the Pittsburgh Steelers should select LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier in the 2026 NFL Draft as a potential replacement for four-time MVP Aaron Rodgers .
In his November 4 mock draft , Easterling projected that the Steelers will use the No. 51 pick on Nussmeier, a fifth-year senior and former four-star prospect. Nussmeier, who turns 24 in February, has completed 65.9% of his passes for 1,808 yards, 12 touchdowns, and five interceptions for the 5-3 Tigers.
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Pittsburgh used a sixth-round selection on Ohio State quarterback Will Howard in the 2025 NFL Draft. Kenny Pickett , a former Pittsburgh Panthers standout, is the only other quarterback the Steelers have drafted since 2019; the Steelers picked Pickett No. 20 in 2022 but dealt him to the Philadelphia Eagles after two seasons.
Could the Pittsburgh Steelers draft LSU Tigers quarterback Garrett Nussmeier?Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
Rodgers, who will celebrate his 42nd birthday on December 2, told Pat McAfee in July that he's "pretty sure" this will be his final year in the NFL. However, Rodgers has not recently addressed those plans, other than to say he intends to ceremoniously retire with the Green Bay Packers , where he played from 2005 through 2022.
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Which Quarterbacks Could the Steelers Pick in the 2026 NFL Draft?
If the Steelers hypothetically used a second-round pick on Nussmeier, they would have multiple years to determine if he can adequately replace Rodgers and become Pittsburgh's long-term starting quarterback. The collective bargaining agreement offers rookie fixed four-year contracts, though only first-round picks have a fifth-year club option.
Nussmeier is a traditional pocket passer who doesn't offer much as a rusher. To his credit, he's cut his interception rate from 2.3% to 1.9% and has gone two straight games without a turnover. However, LSU has lost three of four and dismissed coach Brian Kelly following a 49-25 home loss to Texas A&M in late October.
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Sticking with quarterbacks, Easterling predicted the New Orleans Saints will select Indiana's Fernando Mendoza with the first pick. He also suggested that the New York Jets (Oregon's Dante Moore at No. 3), Miami Dolphins (South Carolina's LaNorris Sellers at No. 4), and Los Angeles Rams (Alabama's Ty Simpson at No. 11) will take quarterbacks in the first round.
Nussmeier was the only quarterback Easterling projected to go in the second round. Other potential quarterback options include Miami's Carson Beck , Oklahoma's John Mateer, and Arizona State's Sam Leavitt. Penn State's Drew Allar recently underwent surgery for a broken left ankle, and it remains unclear how the injury will impact his draft stock.
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In the meantime, Rodgers has completed 68.7% of his passes for 1,692 yards, 17 touchdowns, and five interceptions, though his 52.7 QBR ranks 20th leaguewide .
Related: NFL Draft Study Is an Ugly Look for Bill Belichick and the Patriots
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Nov 5, 2025, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
