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3 quarterbacks the Steelers can replace Ben Roethlisberger with in 2021

By Rucker Haringey

ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 13: Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers enters the field before the game against the Buffalo Bills at Bills Stadium on December 13, 2020 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images)
ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 13: Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers enters the field before the game against the Buffalo Bills at Bills Stadium on December 13, 2020 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images) /
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Steelers draft rumors, Mac Jones
ARLINGTON, TEXAS – JANUARY 01: Mac Jones #10 of the Alabama Crimson Tide warms up before the College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Rose Bowl football game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at AT&T Stadium on January 01, 2021 in Arlington, Texas. The Alabama Crimson Tide defeated the Notre Dame Fighting Irish 31-14. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images) /

2. Mac Jones

Jones has a lot of similarities to Trask as a prospect, but he does possess a slightly better arm. That, combined with his experience in Alabama’s pro-style offense makes him the superior prospect. Even so, there’s a possibility he’ll still be on the board at No. 28 when the Steelers are scheduled to make their selection.

The concern about Jones as a prospect is that he’s entered every game of his collegiate career with a talent advantage over the defense deployed to stop him. There’s a strong chance that four Alabama wideouts will have gone off the board in Round 1 of the last two drafts when the 2021 event concludes. Combine that with a stellar offensive line to protect him and it’s clear that life has been relatively easy for Jones in Tuscaloosa.

That doesn’t change the fact that Jones triggers the Crimson Tide offense with devastating efficiency. He makes the right read and delivers the ball on time repeatedly against all manner of opponents. The Steelers wouldn’t need to drastically change their short passing game if they make the switch from Roethlisberger to Jones in 2021.

Jones will struggle to ever become one of the NFL’s top-10 quarterbacks, but he has a decent chance of developing into an average starter in short order. That makes him a reasonable choice for Pittsburgh at the end of Round 1.

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