POLL: Where Do The Steelers Go At Starting QB
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Tag Archives: NFL Draft
Steelers Do Not Need To Draft a QB in First or Any Round
Photo courtesy of Nfl.com
Why would they? I don’t even know where this ridiculous notion came from to be perfectly honest. Because it has been determined that veteran quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger will definitely be returning. A decision disliked by some, but loved by most. So the last position the Pittsburgh Steelers need to address is the QB position.
Let’s say Roethlisberger plays for one more year, the Steelers made the move to pick up former Washington Football Team QB, Dwayne Haskins. And in my opinion played in the wrong system for the wrong team. Losing his staring position to Alex Smith. But I believe can bring something to the table after Big Ben’s decided departure. Much mote than 3rd year backup, Mason Rudolph can bring..that is for sure.
Which brings me to the podcast interview former Steelers quarterback, Charlie Batch had with Steelers Depot Wednesday. And although I usually agree with Batch’s input involving the team, his input on Rudolph was way off the mark.
Come on now. Pittsburgh Steelers President, Art Rooney II said it best about Rudolph, saying back on the 28th of January that Mason can be a quarterback in this “league” and starter in this “league.” Never did he mention a quarterback or a starter for the Steelers.
Regardless of Rooney’s previous statement that he himself, and head coach Mike Tomlin have complete faith in Rudolph being the starter during the Roethlisberger situation. I truly believe those words spoken were just lip service for the 2019 third round draft pick.
“Well, obviously Mason Rudolph would be the number one person we’d think about,” Rooney told Pompeani. “And, you know, Mason’s had a good few years now in terms of putting himself in a position to potentially become a starter in this league. I think a few more preseason games, a little more playing time, would be what he needs. But I think what he’s shown so far, he’s capable of being a starter in this league.”
Pardon my french..but “BULLSHIT!” If that were the case, if he truly believes Rudolph would be the next man up, then why bring in the 15th overall pick in the 2019 draft Haskins? I will tell you why, it was a subtle yet firm statement to Mason to either produce or you will be replaced.
“We’re excited to see what Dwayne can do with us,” general manager Kevin Colbert said. “It didn’t work out for him in Washington. We had high grades on Dwayne coming out of Ohio State. He got picked a lot higher than we were able to make that decision. … He’s a young, talented quarterback that we’re anxious to see what he can do once he gets here and gets working with us.”
Let’s put it like this, the Steelers need to address three major positions in this year’s NFL Draft..Running Back(James Conner is out)..Offensive Tackle/Center(Alejandro Villanueva is out/Maurkice Pouncey retirement)..and Edge Rusher(may lose Bud Dupree). Fingers crossed on the latter that the organization works something out, but quarterback should be nowhere in the picture.
PREDICTION: Najee Harris To Pittsburgh in 2021 Draft
People laughed at me when I made this prediction before the NFL season ever ended. But it seems like more and more people are beginning to realize the importance of Alabama senior running back Najee Harris. Here is the breakdown of Harris according to thedraftnetwork.com
Harris is a versatile threat that was a rare case of a backfield rusher who played all four seasons in Tuscaloosa. A tall and upright runner, Harris is a blend of power, determination, and versatility as both a between-the-tackles runner and perimeter rushing threat. A comfortable pass-catcher out of the backfield, he’s made strides in his pass-catching ability every season. A running back that can have passing concepts designed around his abilities, he can routinely put second-level defenders in a bind with schemed patterns to attack coverage. A runner that always seems to fall forward when taking on contact, he’s a highly determined and physical rusher who forces defenders to tackle him to the ground through the echo of the whistle. Harris isn’t a running back who contains multiple gears, as he’s a flat-footed runner that paces his way through defenses. Another key attribute on his resume is his ability to finish drives with touchdowns. Few match Harris’ will and “want to” with getting into the endzone, as he led the country in scores in that area last season.
Ideal Role: Featured top option running back.
Scheme Fit: Multiple scheme fit in both man/gap/power and zone-based blocking scheme.
Now sure the Pittsburgh Steelers do need to address their offensive line, at least they do at some point in time in the 2021 NFL Draft. But there are plenty of quality linemen entering the league this year, yet not many running backs stack up to Harris. The highlights below beginning as a “true” freshman will account for that.
Of course most people see Najee not available on the board at the 24th pick, and since the Steelers are not necessarily known to do the trade hiccup. Those people seem to forget exactly what Pittsburgh did to aquire Michigan linebacker, Devin Bush in the 2019 draft.
True..the Steelers don’t necessarily make moves, or trade away players or picks for one player. But once in a while they come across a gem they would be stupid to pass up. One of those gems was Bush, who before his season ending injury was having an amazing year.
Keep in mind the offensive line was not the problem with running back, James Conner’s production, it was Conner’s inability to stay healthy and move the sticks when needed. But Harris has the power, vision, awareness on the field and breakaway speed much needed to take the pressure off of quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.
Summary: Najee Harris is a mixture of the power of Jerome Bettis, and the quickness..(though not as quick)..as Willie Parker. Passing up on him for an offensive lineman who can block, but unable to put points on the board would be a ridiculous decision. And points are how games are won, Harris will definitely fill that much needed void.
STEELERS WORLD 1 