Kyle Trask
While it may not seem ideal to rely on a rookie draft pick to lead a team to greatness, that’s just about what Big Ben was expected to do back in the day (and he did so successfully), so why not carry on the tradition? Similar to Roethlisberger, Kyle Trask is the definition of a “passing quarterback.” His numbers from this college football season have been nothing short of downright spectacular.
But even with all of this acknowledged, not many draft experts have him going that early, in contrast to guys like Trevor Lawrence and Justin Fields, to name a couple. That’s where Pittsburgh comes in. No one appears to consider that the Steelers could be eyeing a new QB this April, so it is their job to get him before someone else does.
A plausible explanation for Trask’s lower draft stock could be his shockingly bad performance in the Goodyear Cotton Bowl against the Oklahoma Sooners last month. He had multiple receivers missing during that game, which could have led to the conclusion that his stats were so good because of who he was throwing to all year, rather than because of his own individual capabilities. But even if that is the case, the Steel City has a receiving corps that is completely stacked right now, to say the least. So his limitations should be less of a concern to us than to other teams that might be interested.
I am not necessarily saying that Ben Roethlisberger must retire this instant or the world will fall apart. But it is likely that his days of taking the Steelers anywhere important are over. And if I were in his shoes, I would much rather end my legendary NFL career on a playoff season with a 500-yard passing game than run the risk of hitting total mediocrity or being dealt serious injury, as both scenarios will only grow more and more threatening with progressing age. But there is no difference in Ben retiring or being passed up upon, as either one will almost guarantee the wrapping up of the reign of one of the most amazing quarterbacks to ever play in the National Football League.