ESPN's NFL Insiders keep insisting the Steelers are targeting quarterbacks in this year's draft.
Why?
On Tuesday, a parade of ESPN analysts and reporters went on TV and predicted the Steelers would spend one of their early round picks on a QB — despite having Ben Roethlisberger under contract and holes all over the roster. The FAN's Andrew Fillipponi chronicled the madness.
It all started on "Get Up," when Booger McFarland identified Kyle Trask as a "perfect fit" for the Steelers at No. 55 overall. But McFarland once suggested it would be wise for a team to spike the ball on fourth down, so what does he know? (Kidding!)
Most significantly, Adam Schefter said he thinks the Steelers "have to be looking for another QB."
While it makes sense theoretically for the Steelers to draft a quarterback, it doesn't match the reality on the ground. Pittsburgh has holes all over its roster, beginning with the offensive line, running back and across the defense. With Roethlisberger coming back for another season — along with JuJu Smith-Schuster — the focus should be on improving the many positions of immediate need.
The most pivotal area to upgrade is the offensive line, which was decimated by Maurkice Pouncey's retirement and Alejandro Villanueva's exit. Given where the Steelers are drafting, it's far likelier they can grab difference- makers up front, opposed to a viable QB prospect. The top five quarterbacks in the draft could be gone by the time the Steelers make their first selection at No. 24 overall.
And therein lies maybe the most convincing reason for Pittsburgh to stay away from pass-throwers: the best ones probably won't be available to them.
Yet, Dan Graziano said Pittsburgh should target a "second-tier" guy. "They go into this draft knowing they have to address quarterback," he said.
That's not really the case. Yes, the Steelers could be setting themselves up for a rough season post-Roethlisberger, but they don't have other options. They can't take a quarterback in the second or third rounds and field the best possible team in 2021. Roethlisberger's return means they're going for it.
And next year, maybe they can rely on some Fitz Magic, or pick up another stopgap veteran while they search for Roethlisberger's replacement.
Right now, they're still trying to win with him. Can somebody pass along the memo to the kind folks in Bristol?
