Ben Roethlisberger’s Return Means the Pittsburgh Steelers Still Draft a Quarterback

After threatening retirement, Ben Roethlisberger is set to return to the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2017. But that doesn’t mean they should change their 2017 NFL Draft plans.

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Do the Pittsburgh Steelers need a backup quarterback this season? No. Is there a single player that stands out as a potential Big Ben successor? Yes. Should the Steelers take a chance on waiting to draft a quarterback this year? Absolutely not.

There should be no change in Pittsburgh’s draft plan. Initially, it appeared that they wanted a quarterback in the second round. Well, keep that the same.

No one has any idea when Roethlisberger’s career is ending. If he threatens retirement, next season and the Steelers are stuck with a fifth-round pick they’re now searching for a last minute solution. Instead, they need to pick up someone talented enough to learn for a year or two then start. This way, if Big Ben’s career ends next year, two years from now, or he pushes out another five seasons, Pittsburgh is prepared for the change.

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Worst case scenario, the Steelers have a backup quarterback who’s ready to lead a playoff team immediately sitting on their bench for a few years. Much like the Green Bay Packers’ situation with Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers, Pittsburgh just rolls with Ben until they feel it’s time to move on.

Roethlisberger’s return does not mean wait it out. This team has Le’Veon Bell, one of the best running backs in the league, Antonio Brown, arguably the best receiver in the NFL, a put together line, and growing defense. Even after Roethlisberger is gone, if the Steelers play their cards right, they’ll be a Super Bowl contender.

There are options as far as the beginning of the third round. After that, talent begins to taper off at the quarterback position. Players like Patrick Mahomes, Brad Kayaa, Josh Dobbs, and Davis Webb should all be off the board by the time Pittsburgh’s third round pick comes around. Therefore, it’s take a QB in the second or miss out on the next starter.

Nothing has changed. Ben Roethlisberger is returning, and that’s great. But all it means is that they have more time for another quarterback to develop. By no means does the Steelers’ draft plans.

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It’s a security blanket, and that’s it. Pittsburgh shouldn’t take this as a time to take your foot off the peddle. It’s heartbreaking to think Big Ben is on his way out, but the truth it he is. Push for the future now. Let a rookie learn under a future Hall of Famer. That’s the only way the Steelers stay on top when Roethlisberger really does decide to call it quits.