Seventh-year senior, age 25 (will be 26 in September)—Louisville QB Tyler Shough will be nearly 30 when his first NFL contract will be over. Yes, he’s a bit of an older QB prospect in this year’s weak QB class. Still, Shough is trying to flip that older prospect narrative into something positive by highlighting his readiness to start in the NFL. Projected as a third or fourth-round pick at best. Shough has a message for 32 NFL franchises who are still sleeping on his potential.

Hopping on The Insiders hosted by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Shough was asked whether he cares about his draft projection being a late-round flier. Seeing almost all of the mock drafts put him in the third or fourth quarterback taken off the board. Shough only had one message to all those undermining his draft stock, stating, “I don’t necessarily pay attention to specific mocks. I think my whole thing throughout this whole process is obviously my ability to talk about what we did offensively. I played in five or six different offenses.” Shough does come with a lot of experience under his belt that other rookie QBs might fail to replicate. 

He spent 3 years with Oregon, where he was a backup to now-Chargers QB Justin Herbert. Then, he spent 3 more years in Texas Tech after transferring from Oregon. And finally, it was the Louisville Cardinals where Shough got to start 12 games, winning the Comeback Player of the Year. So, with 7 years of campus lights behind him. Shough wants those who are looking at him to know how he feels about stepping into NFL stardom: “I feel like I can come in and start right now at any program and go play tomorrow.” Now, that’s the confidence that could make NFL franchises wonder if he is the one.

Of course, Shough’s college career was marred with constant injury troubles. But if you look closely, most of those injuries were either fluke bone breaks or quickly healed muscle ailments. What Shough brings to the table is valuable experience you won’t find anywhere else. In his 32 career starts, Shough has a record of 21 wins, having thrown 59 TDs with only 23 INTs. Last season, he even earned an 87.7 passing grade, ranking 5th throughout the nation.

So, obviously, he has the numbers, skill set, and experience needed to develop into a starting-caliber QB if an opportunity arises. Well, speaking of opportunities, it might come in the form of the Steelers. He is slated to be the heir apparent in Steel City if Aaron Rodgers does end up being a Steeler.

Can Tyler Shough be the Jordan Love of the Steelers?

Jordan Love spent his first 3 years in the NFL learning from 4-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers. And once Rodgers decided to move to the Jets in 2023, Love got his chance to cement his place as a starter for the Packers. Maybe something similar could happen with Tyler Shough if the Steelers do pick him after signing Rodgers. That’s what Mel Kiper Jr. believes. “If you love that quarterback enough, you take the heir apparent..It’s gotta be a quarterback you feel strongly about..Tyler Shough from Louisville has gained a lot of momentum. It’ll be interesting to see what the Steeler do with this pick,” Kiper Jr. said on ESPN’s Get Up. 

So, here’s what could happen. Honestly, it’s only a matter of time before the Steelers announce the signing of Rodgers. Considering he hasn’t visited anyone else or had any talks whatsoever. The Steelers will probably sign him for a year or two. Already 41, Rodgers wouldn’t be able to offer more than anyway. That’s why bringing Shough as a backup QB while Rodgers plays as a starter would help him settle down in the league. Yes, he might be confident about starting right away. Still, Shough has a lot to improve upon.

Like he only had a 42% completion rate when pressured, ahead of only Golden Gophers Max Brosmer. Then, there’s his 58% completion rate when hit. And considering the NFL, where pass rushers are more elite and athletic. Shough needs to learn how to escape from the pressure and play in the pocket without getting sacked. Maybe Aaron Rodgers could help him learn those traits. And eventually, when he does retire. Shough can be the heir apparent to him while the Steelers get their QB for the future.