Steelers might’ve already identified Ben Roethlisberger’s replacement in NFL Draft

If the Steelers do draft a quarterback early, he’ll have heavy expectations placed upon him immediately.

Ben Roethlisberger is on his last leg. The soon-to-be 39-year-old quarterback has given the Steelers every ounce of competitive football he has. The final tour may lead to playoff appearance, or disappointment, but the Steelers have to be ready with a replacement in mind.

Despite the litany of quarterbacks available via trade and free agency this offseason, expect the Steelers to pinpoint the NFL Draft as a means to acquire a young signal-caller to replace Roethlisberger.

Per Steelers insider Ed Bouchette, Pittsburgh is infatuated with Florida Gators alum Kyle Trask.

Trask is built in the Roethlisberger mold

Trask excels in ball placement, and is similar in size to Roethlisberger. Essentially, he’s Big Ben before father time caught up with him. Now, does Trask have the same arm talent as Roethlisberger? That remains to be seen.

Perhaps most important to the Steelers given their many roster holes, they shouldn’t have to trade up to get Trask. If anything, he may be available in the second round for them to snatch, allowing Pittsburgh to focus on more important needs like offensive line and potentially an outside linebacker to replace Bud Dupree.

Trask’s arm strength and mobility have come into question at times in the pre-draft process, but he’s able to move around the pocket just fine. In the modern NFL, the ability to navigate the pocket is essential, and Trask didn’t have much of an issue doing just that in Gainesville.

Roethlisberger is a legend, and it very well could take a few tries for the Steelers to find a quarterback anywhere near as capable as No. 7. Considering their blind faith in Mason Rudolph, and the signing of Dwayne Haskins, the Steelers aren’t quite sure where to turn next offseason. Adding Trask to that mix can only help matters.