Oneil Cruz's 3-run homer off top of foul pole powers Pirates to 8-4 win over Rangers
Oneil Cruz's 3-run homer powers Pirates to an 8-4 win over Rangers!
The Pittsburgh Steelers are projected to select Georgia tackle Monroe Freeling in the latest mock draft as they prepare for the NFL Draft. Uncertainty remains regarding Aaron Rodgers' potential return as the starting quarterback in 2026.
Mentioned in this story
Steelers get Aaron Rodgers welcome back present in latest mock draft originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
We still don't know if Aaron Rodgers will return in 2026 to be the Pittsburgh Steelers' starting quarterback, and the NFL Draft is nearly upon us.
With Mike McCarthy heading into his first draft in the black-and-yellow chair, how the franchise approaches it makes for interesting viewing.
I've seen the offensive line, quarterback, and receiver mentioned as needs for the Steelers, but it isn't clear which way the franchise is leaning.
But ESPN's Peter Schrager thinks he has an idea, and in his latest mock draft, Pittsburgh takes Georgia tackle Monroe Freeling.
"The expectation is Aaron Rodgers will be back," Schrager wrote. "Pittsburgh has to make sure the protection is right with a 42-year-old quarterback, even if Rodgers gets the ball out quickly again. Freeling started for only a season and a half in college, but he's athletic and has a lot of starter-level traits."
More:Analyst drops thought-provoking update on Rashee Rice's Chiefs future
As we saw last season, Rodgers doesn't want to be running for his life to avoid the pass rush. At 42 years old, that is only going to end one way...No. 8 getting hunted down.
So it makes sense for the Steelers to fortify his protection, because, despite his age, giving Rodgers a clean pocket is nightmare fuel for a defense.
The Steelers are projected to draft Georgia tackle Monroe Freeling.
Mike McCarthy is heading into his first draft as the Steelers' head coach.
It remains uncertain if Aaron Rodgers will return as the starting quarterback for the Steelers in 2026.
Oneil Cruz's 3-run homer powers Pirates to an 8-4 win over Rangers!
Marcus Smart expresses gratitude for being back in the NBA playoffs with the Lakers.
Caitlin Clark's presence is reshaping the Fever roster as veterans like Myisha Hines-Allen join the team.
Notre Dame baseball secures a 3-2 road victory over Michigan State.
Texas UIL softball postseason brackets are set to begin Wednesday!
Chihiro Sawada aims for a title shot against Ayaka Miura at ONE SAMURAI 1 in Tokyo!
See every story in Sports — including breaking news and analysis.
Yes, receiver could also be a need, but with DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr. on the roster, that might be seen as a later round sort of pick.
If Rodgers does return, which Schrager thinks is now the expectation, having him protected feels like the smart move here.