The Pittsburgh Steelers are in quarterback limbo for the first time in 18 years. Ben Roethlisberger retiring after almost two incredible decades of football was expected, but it doesn't mean it was planned for well. With Mason Rudolph and Dwayne Haskins currently set to battle or the starting job, many people believe the team needs to go after a quarterback in this year's NFL Draft to plan for the future. While the NFL has transformed into a quarterback's league, a rookie quarterback isn't leading them to a Super Bowl next year and this draft class at the position isn't necessarily highly touted. The quarterback position is vastly important, but there are many other areas to improve for Mike Tomlin's team. The Steelers should look elsewhere positionally in this year's draft and here's why:
[incontent2]
1.) The Offensive Line Needs to be Invested In
The Steelers, traditionally, aren't aggressive in free agency. While I can see them making some moves this off-season, don't expect that to hold them back from drafting an offensive lineman in the first round. There are plenty of good options up front and with an extremely talented soon-to-be second-year running back in Najee Harris, a good running game will change the dynamic for a team who has relied on Roethlisberger's arm for the last 10 years or so. I, personally, would much rather invest in an offensive line and watch poor quarterback play for a year than watch both fail. If Rudolph, Haskins or any potential free agent want a shot at success, they are going to need time to throw the ball and be effective with play action due to a strong rushing attack.
2.) The Secondary Should be More of a Priority
General Manager, Kevin Colbert hasn't exactly been known to draft standout cornerbacks, but did everyone watch what top offenses did to the Steelers' secondary this season? The Cincinnati Bengals and Kansas City Chiefs, among others, torched a secondary that desperately needs more depth and playmaking ability. Andrew Booth Jr. out of Clemson and Ahmad Gardner from Cincinnati both come to mind if they are available at #20. While Tre Norwood showed potential this season, the defense needs a serious upgrade at the position, especially with Joe Haden possibly leaving in free agency.
[incontent3]
3.) This Quarterback Class Simply Isn't Good
As mentioned previously, this class of quarterbacks in 2022 isn't as strong as some we have seen in the past and next year's potential draftees. There is a whole lot of risk with the group in 2022. All have quirks and none seem to be ready to start right away. If this class was the same a couple years ago and one would have had a few seasons under Roethlisberger, it may have made me think differently. Kenny Pickett staying in Pittsburgh would be a great story and Tomlin seems to have focused on Malik Willis this week at Senior Bowl preparations, but realistically, there is no reason to settle for a quarterback just to draft one. One wrong decision could leave the Tomlin and co. in limbo for years consistently trying to convince everyone in Pittsburgh and the NFL that they have "their guy."
Most likely, none of the top quarterback prospects this year will be available in the second round. If someone like Sam Howell falls, the Steelers could take a chance, but Steeler fans may have to sit through a tough year in 2022 with another sputtering offense before drafting the quarterback of the future in 2023. This is not predicting that the Steelers won't reach and take a signal caller this year, but I definitely think they should stay away from it.
Do you think the Steelers should gamble on a quarterback in this year's NFL Draft? Let us know in the comments below!
#SteelerNation
