All Steelers

Steelers Send Message at Jaxson Dart's Pro Day

The Pittsburgh Steelers made a surprising decision in regards to their presence at Ole MIss' Pro Day.
Jan 2, 2025; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Mississippi Rebels quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) drops back to pass against the Duke Blue Devils in the second quarter  during the Gator Bowl at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Jan 2, 2025; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Mississippi Rebels quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) drops back to pass against the Duke Blue Devils in the second quarter during the Gator Bowl at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images | Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

In this story:


Considering just how talented Ole Miss' crop of draft prospects is this year, it comes as no surprise that the Pittsburgh Steelers sent representation to the program's Pro Day.

What was a bit unexpected, however, is that head coach Mike Tomlin and general manager Omar Khan seemingly didn't make the trip down to Oxford, Miss.

Instead, assistant general manager Andy Weidl and wide receivers coach Zach Azzanni attended in their place, as reported by Steelers Depot, alongside scout Ike Taylor.

Now, Tomlin's absence supposed absence doesn't necessarily hint at Pittsburgh's disinterest in Ole Miss' wide array of talent. He had a busy week, as he was seen at Notre Dame's Pro Day while also meeting with Texas' Quinn Ewers and an Ohio State trio consisting of Will Howard, TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins, before having to travel to the annual league meetings.

With considerable buzz surrounding the Steelers and their affinity for quarterback Jaxson Dart, whom they have planned a pre-draft visit with, and the presence of top players at positions of need such as defensive lineman Walter Nolan along with wide receiver Tre Harris, perhaps the organization felt it had already spent enough time evaluating that group to the point that sending a full contingent wasn't necessary.

Building on that point, Pittsburgh met with all three of those players plus wide receiver Jordan Watkins, defensive lineman J.J. Pegues and linebackers Chris Paul Jr. and Chris Simon either formally or informally at the NFL Scouting Combine.

All of that is to say that while Tomlin and Khan not being there was a bit of an eye-opener, that doesn't mean the Steelers won't target any Rebels players in the draft as they still sent several important members of the organization to the school.

Make sure to bookmark Steelers On SI to get all your daily Pittsburgh Steelers news, interviews, breakdowns and more!


Published
Jack Markowski
JACK MARKOWSKI

Jack is a New Jersey native who graduated from the University of Pittsburgh as a Media & Professional Communications major in 2024 who is now covering the Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Yankees for On SI.