NFL quarterback power rankings: AFC North edition

CLEVELAND, OH - DECEMBER 22: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens shakes hands with Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns after the game at FirstEnergy Stadium on December 22, 2019 in Cleveland, Ohio. Baltimore defeated Cleveland 31-15. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images) /

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PITTSBURGH, PA – SEPTEMBER 15: Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers in action against the Seattle Seahawks on September 15, 2019 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /

2. Pittsburgh Steelers

Ben Roethlisberger: 2019 – 351 yards, 0 Total TD, 1 INT.

For 16 years, Ben Roethlisberger has been a franchise icon for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Drafted in the famous quarterback heavy 2004 draft class, he has started 216 games, won two Super Bowls, and has thrown for 56,545 yards with 363 passing scores since.

However, last year Roethlisberger sustained an elbow injury that required surgery. He played in only two games in 2019.

The injury was serious. Roethlisberger had been experiencing discomfort, and at one point some thought he might have needed Tommy John surgery. He did not need such a serious procedure, and now he is reportedly pain free when throwing.

In 2018, Roethlisberger threw for career-highs in passing yards (5,129) and touchdowns (34). He did so at age 36.

If Roethlisberger is truly pain free and ready to go for the 2020 season, he is easily the second-best quarterback in this division. But, how that elbow holds up post-injury might be concerning.

This offseason, the front office signed tight end Eric Ebron and drafted receiver Chase Claypool. These two will join JuJu Smith-Schuster, James Washington and running back James Conner.

With one of the best defenses in the NFL and Roethlisberger under center, the Steelers can potentially re-capture the division this year.

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