PFF predicts Steelers drafting interesting Ben Roethlisberger replacement in first round

The Pittsburgh Steelers look likely to draft a Ben Roethlisberger replacement and PFF thinks they know who the pick will be.

Ben Roethlisberger has been a fixture in Pittsburgh since 2004 but the 39-year-old’s career with the Steelers is nearing its end.

Once the 2021 season is over, few think Roethlisberger will still be the starting quarterback in black and gold.

So who will replace him? That’s been the question on the mind for most of the season and the answer could very well come in the NFL Draft.

The latest Pro Football Focus mock draft from Anthony Treash predicts the Steelers will take a quarterback in the first round of the coming draft, landing on Cincinnati’s Desmond Ridder with the No. 17 pick overall.

PFF likes Desmond Ridder as the Steelers’ Ben Roethlisberger replacement

“Ridder ranks among the nation’s top-10 quarterbacks in accurate-pass rate and deep passing grade this season, and he tossed 24 deep big-time throws without recording a single turnover-worthy play on those passes,” Treash wrote.

Ridder starred for Cincinnati over the last four years, getting better each season. As a senior, he led the Bearcats to the College Football Playoff with 3,334 yards and 30 touchdown with eight interceptions. He has also shown great mobility with 2,180 yards and 28 rushing touchdowns in four seasons.

The PFF mock draft has the first quarterback coming off the board as Sam Howell at No. 9 to the Washington Football Team. The Broncos follow at No. 11 taking Matt Corral.

With Howell and Corral unavailable, the Steelers would have to sort out their options including Ridder, Malik Willis and others.