Should Steelers draft a QB?
Apparently, stories about quarterbacks never get too old, because here we are addressing once again whether the Steelers should draft one to groom as Ben Roethlisberger’s successor.
As I pointed out in a previous column, this is completely up to the Steelers and whether they’re “in love” with either Lamar Jackson or Mason Rudolph. And that if they are, then I have no problem with the philosophy.
That’s because in a column a week or so earlier, I pointed out that history — in this case 1983 — is a pretty good guide for the philosophy, and that, again, I would have no problem if they think Jackson or Rudolph could even come close to having the kind of effect Dan Marino had on the league after being passed over by the Steelers.
We do know one effect of drafting Gabe Rivera instead of Marino: The Steelers later drafted Roethlisberger because Dan Rooney told Bill Cowher he’ll never regret anything more in his career than passing on a franchise quarterback. That philosophy, which very well could become franchise dogma, grew from the mistake made 21 years earlier.
Should the Steelers draft a quarterback to groom behind the 36-year-old Roethlisberger?
Someone asked if I would feel strongly about it if the positions were turned upside down and the Steelers were drafting fifth from the top instead of fifth from the bottom (28th). WalterFootball.com did a mock draft that way and the Steelers came away with Sam Darnold.
When I watch Darnold, I see Boomer Esiason. And I’m fairly convinced Darnold can have an Esiason-esque career — and that’s not bad. I think what I’m saying here is that Darnold’s floor is fairly high, but his ceiling? Well, Esiason wasn’t a perennial Pro Bowler, but he did come within 34 seconds of winning a Super Bowl.
That really doesn’t seem to be worth such a high pick, particularly with so many luscious defensive players available at pick five.
Now, pick 28 is different. The possibility of Jackson (6-2¼, 216) appeals to me. His floor? Kordell Stewart (6-1½, 212). That’s what I saw when I watched Jackson run for some of the 4,132 yards he gained on the ground in three years as a starter at Louisville.
But I also see Jackson scramble with his eyes downfield. I see him looking to throw. I also hear him telling analysts and scouts “No” when asked to play another position, or even run a 40, and I believe he’s extremely serious about becoming a top-caliber NFL quarterback.
Jackson comes out of Louisville with a career completion percentage of 57. That’s not a good sign. Stewart was a 58 percent college passer who helped that career number with a 62 percent senior season. Jackson did improve to 59 percent as a junior (his final season), and I believe his desire to pass while on the run, along with his will to become a quality quarterback, causes me to align him more with Steve McNair (6-1 5/8, 224) as a comparison.
McNair came out of Alcorn State as a 55 percent passer but was never asked to play another position, worked ceaselessly at his craft, and finished a long and distinguished pro career as a 60.1 percent passer.
After watching Jackson play several games last season, I have no doubt he’s an ascending player who needs a couple years of polish to reach that McNair ceiling. The Steelers, of course, have those couple of years to give Jackson.
Then again, Jackson isn’t likely to last until pick 28, because he really did flash growth last season, his four-interception bowl game notwithstanding.
And so we turn to Rudolph.
The Steelers watched Rudolph (6-4 5/8, 235) closely last season. Kevin Colbert monitored him when Oklahoma State traveled to Heinz Field, and then Colbert and Mike Tomlin interviewed Rudolph on the field following his pro day.
Rudolph is the more polished pocket quarterback, but gets knocked for a lack of arm strength. But, he’s thrown it 65 yards in a Hail Mary situation, and also runs perhaps the most complex RPO (run/pass option) system in college football. Ask the Philadelphia Eagles how much that burgeoning offensive system helped them last season.
Rudolph also comes out as a 63.2 percent passer following a 65 percent senior season. He also passes all of the well-known Bill Parcells criteria for drafting quarterbacks: at least 3-year starter, senior, graduate, minimum 30 starts, 23 wins, a 2 to 1 TD-INT ratio, and 60 percent passer. Only Rudolph and Baker Mayfield pass all seven items this draft season.
Draft analysts have been harsh on Rudolph, calling him a second, third, even a fourth-round prospect. That’s why I would leave it up to the Steelers because love, and only love, will break it down.
MY TAKE
I can’t see a defensive player falling to pick 28 who’ll step right into the lineup and help them win a Super Bowl. And, I truly believe that even though Roethlisberger says he’s going to play three or four more years, the team needs to regain control and not leave its future to the whims of a player. I wouldn’t have any problem drafting the QB of the future if Tomlin and Colbert like him, and thus force the search for defensive depth into the latter rounds. As for a developmental QB, with a full depth chart there’s no reason to look for one in later rounds, rendering moot their interest in Brogan Roback, allegedly the best QB at Eastern Michigan since Charlie Batch. And, if the Steelers don’t believe Rudolph is a first-rounder, there’s no point in drafting him at all.
VALUE BOARD
First Round — Lamar Jackson, Louisville; Mason Rudolph, Oklahoma State.