6 potential starting QBs for the Steelers after Senior Bowl

Steelers could start Rudolph

My initial rankings list was centered around both Mariota and Mason Rudolph being the top two options for the Steelers to field at quarterback. While both still find themselves on this list, Rudolph has actually leapfrogged the more athletic Mariota.

The reason why is simple: it seems like the team is gearing to select a rookie quarterback early, and if they do then investing in a free agent seems less logical with Rudolph already on the roster.

There isn’t much to be said about Rudolph that hasn’t already been said. He is a good, not great option that has likely already hit his ceiling. That makes him a good backup but not much of a starter. That said, the team opted to invest in him via a new contract. If grabbing a rookie early is the plan, using Rudolph as the interim starter makes the most sense.

It certainly won’t be a popular decision, as most view Rudolph as a mediocre player. That said, if the team wants a rookie to wait a few games before playing, Rudolph should be their guy. Let’s face it, no matter who the quarterback is this team won’t be that good. Even if they find their guy in this draft, having Rudolph take the brunt of the damage on a bad team preserves the rookie. It won’t be a popular decision, but Rudolph should be a favorite to start.