Steelers Should Take Risk on This Exciting NCAA QB

With so many quarterback prospects in this draft lacking excitement, the Pittsburgh Steelers could land a player who provides that every time he's on the field.

Nov 15, 2025; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks quarterback Taylen Green (10) looks to pass the ball against the LSU Tigers during the second half at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images | Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

PITTSBURGH -- In the short time that Mike McCarthy has been the head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, he's brought an entirely new perspective to the organization. Especially at quarterback, McCarthy has turned disappointment into optimism. He has the fanbase excited about second-year player Will Howard's ceiling and convinced that Aaron Rodgers is returning for another season and reunion with McCarthy.

The possibility of the Steelers drafting a quarterback in the upcoming NFL Draft remains strong as well, and head coach Mike McCarthy has not shied away from the possibility. If anything, he is only stirred the pot ahead of this year's draft.

Some have concluded that these hints point to Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson being the most likely target. However, there is another exciting and athletic signal-caller who possesses just as much, if not more, potential than Simpson and could be available much later in the draft. The Steelers are set to host Arkansas QB Taylen Green for a pre-draft visit, according to an update from Bo Marchionte of college2pro.com, and could emerge as an underrated yet seemingly ideal target for the Steelers later this month.

Per source: Arkansas QB Taylen Green is set for Top 30 visits with the #Steelers #Cowboys #Dolphins and #Ravens as he continues to draw interest across the league after tremendous NFL Combine #nfldrrafthttps://t.co/zWYfQtMuCo

— Bo Marchionte (@BoMarchionte) March 31, 2026

An Elite Trait, If Nothing Else

To take a chance on a project quarterback like Green, there has to be one thing. There needs to be at least one trait that stands out as elite.

Green showed throughout his time with the Razorbacks and at the 2026 NFL Draft Combine that he is an other-worldly athlete. He posted an absurd 40-yard dash time to pace all quarterbacks, clocking in at 4.37 seconds. During the 2025 season, his speed and ability to move outside the pocket led to most of his best plays and highlights. On 139 rushing attempts, he ran for 777 yards and eight touchdowns. He ran for at least 400 rushing yards in all four NCAA seasons he played heavy snaps.

Taylen Green BLAZING in the 40-yard dash to lead all QBs at the #NFLCombine2026

1) Taylen Green, Arkansas: 4.37
2) Haynes King, Georgia Tech: 4.47
3) Jalon Daniels, Kansas: 4.70
4) Luke Altmyer, Illinois: 4.72
5) Joe Fagnano, UConn: 4.84pic.twitter.com/4yAyiLD14P

— PFSN (@PFSN365) February 28, 2026

What Else Stands Out About Green's Game?

The mobility is elite, and it's what makes you pay attention, but there is another piece of Green's game that stands out and might be the biggest reason why he could land in Pittsburgh. At the NFL Owners' Meetings, McCarthy discussed how Will Howard can progress, diving into some specifics like his footwork and lower-body strength.

Watching Green, it's clear that he also possesses lower-body strength that can support an NFL quarterback. McCarthy referenced Aaron Rodgers' explosiveness in the lower-body when describing what makes a great starting quarterback, and you can find that same level of explosiveness watching Green play.

The problem with Green is that his mechanics are elongated and a bit funky. He'll need to tighten up his throwing motion and upgrade his footwork in the pocket to become a number one at the next level, but he is unbelievably exciting already. With so many quarterback prospects in this draft lacking excitement, Green is a player who provides that every time he's on the field.

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