The Pittsburgh Steelers Could Quickly Replace Ben Roethlisberger With Homegrown Star Kenny Pickett, According to NFL Draft Insider Todd McShay
Sarah Jacobson 
The Steelers were in the market for a quarterback to replace Ben Roethlisberger and they got their guy.
The Pittsburgh Steelers could quickly replace Ben Roethlisberger with homegrown star Kenny Pickett, according to NFL Draft insider Todd McShay.
After the 2021 season, the Ben Roethlisberger era with the Pittsburgh Steelers is expected to come to an end. If Roethlisberger decides to retire, the front office will have its job cut out for them in finding a successor. Todd McShay, an NFL Draft expert, predicts the Steelers will choose Kenny Pickett of Pitt out of their own backyard.
In the NFL, Ben Roethlisberger is nearing the end of his career.
On contemplating the end of his career, Ben Roethlisberger says: “I’m now residing in this location. We’ve got to get moving. We need to play fantastic, even amazing football. Starting with me, here is where it all begins. I can’t look forward to the finish because I need to concentrate on this week.”
December 15, 2021 — Brooke Pryor (@bepryor)
Who thought Ben Roethlisberger would leave such an indelible mark on the Pittsburgh Steelers when he was picked 11th overall in 2004? However, after 18 seasons in the club, his time with the team may be over.
Roethlisberger, who is now 39 years old, is no longer the player he was in his heyday. The first signs of a downturn appeared a few years ago, but they’re significantly more visible today.
Big Ben’s tenacity, on the other hand, is unquestionable. Every game, he gives it his all and battles to the finish. The problem is that even at his finest, he can’t bring the Steelers to where they want to go.
Given his age, the Ohio native lacks the agility and decision-making abilities that helped him construct a successful career.
In 2021, Big Ben completed 65.3 percent of his throws for 3,066 yards, 19 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. He’s far from the worst quarterback in the league, but if the Steelers want to win, they’ll need more from him.
For all parties, retirement seems to be the best choice. Ben Roethlisberger has had a career that has the potential to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. In 245 games, he has 63,414 throwing yards, 415 touchdowns, and 208 interceptions. He had six Pro Bowl appearances and two Super Bowl rings. There should be nothing more for him to prove.
On the other hand, Pittsburgh’s roster has some potential building stones. However, one of the biggest issues holding the offense behind is quarterback instability.
Todd McShay makes fun of Kenny Pickett in front of the Steelers.
Ben Roethlisberger’s last season with the Pittsburgh Steelers might be his last | Joe Sargent/Getty Images The Steelers are expected to choose Kenny Pickett out of Pittsburgh, according to Todd McShay. | Justin Berl/Getty Images
Several clubs, including the Steelers, will be looking for a quarterback this summer. Kenny Pickett is the finest quarterback prospect in the NFL Draft class of 2022. Kevin Colbert, the general manager, is in a strong position to sign the University of Pittsburgh star.
Todd McShay, an NFL draft analyst for ESPN, just revealed his early 2022 mock draft. The Steelers presently have the 12th overall selection with a 6-6-1 record. Pittsburgh, according to McShay, is about to shoot Pickett.
“Ben Roethlisberger is likely in his last season, and his replacement isn’t in the building right now,” McShay said. “The Steelers’ offense has playmakers, but they need someone to distribute the ball to them as the club strives to remain competitive in an AFC North division dominated by young franchise quarterbacks.”
Kenny Pickett, according to McShay, meets the description and might be a natural fit in the Steelers’ offensive plan.
He went on to say, “Pickett works through his progressions and gets the ball out swiftly.” “He possesses the finest mix of pocket awareness, accuracy, and decision-making in the class, which I believe are the three most important attributes to look for in a quarterback in the NFL.”
Pickett is expected to be the first quarterback off the board, according to Todd McShay, with Ole Miss’ Matt Corral heading to Washington at No. 13 overall.
Pittsburgh will not be able to compete in 2022 without one of their backups.
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Mike Tomlin has been urged by certain commentators, including former Pittsburgh Steelers safety Ryan Clark, to bench Ben Roethlisberger. But it isn’t that simple.
It’s easy to understand why the Steelers can’t get go of Big Ben just yet if you look at their depth chart. Mason Rudolph and Dwayne Haskins Jr. are the backup quarterbacks on the roster.
Let’s begin with the player that participated in the 2021 season.
Mason Rudolph started against the Detroit Lions in Week 10. Big Ben was put on the reserve/COVID-19 list by Pittsburgh, therefore he was unable to play. Rudolph completed 242 yards of passing with one score and one interception. The Oklahoma State alum tossed the ball 50 times, which was a nightmare waiting to happen.
In Roethlisberger’s absence, the Steelers struggled, and the game ended in a 16-16 tie. Rudolph had eight starts in 2019, but he didn’t show he could be an NFL starter.
Haskins, on the other hand, has been a huge letdown. The former 4-star recruit attended Ohio State for two seasons and had a breakthrough season as a sophomore. Haskins’ performance aided him in advancing up the selection boards.
Washington felt he might be their franchise quarterback when he was picked with the No. 15 overall selection in the 2019 NFL Draft. Haskins was fired after two seasons due to immaturity and a lack of on-field progress.
Haskins was given a second opportunity by Pittsburgh, but he’s still behind Rudolph on the depth chart, which says a lot.
To replace Ben Roethlisberger, the Steelers will have to seek elsewhere. Kenny Pickett, a Heisman Trophy candidate, makes sense since he has all of the required attributes to succeed in Steel City.
Pro Football Reference provided all stats.
RELATED: Steelers Hall of Famer Cris Carter Says Ben Roethlisberger Should Be Forced to Retire: “That’s what his play dictated.”
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