After an 18-year stint, the Pittsburgh Steelers find themselves in a difficult position heading into 2022; there is no presumed starter at the quarterback position. Head Coach Mike Tomlin has been blessed to inherit Ben Roethlisberger during his first 17 seasons, but Tomlin is now forced to cultivate a tough quarterback battle in camp and throughout the preseason. He’s already worked closely with General Manager Kevin Colbert on establishing the groundwork for the quarterback of the Steelers for the next several seasons. Not only has current Quarterbacks Coach Mike Sullivan been embedded in the Steelers’ organization, but the Steelers also added Assistant Quarterbacks Coach David Corley to the mix as well. Then, a flurry of fresh arms came into the locker room in the form of veteran Mitch Trubisky, first-round draft pick Kenny Pickett, and late-round talent of Chris Oladokun. In addition to these new faces, four-year back-up Mason Rudolph is still available.
But with these names all in the hunt vying to become the starting quarterback in 2022, each of them has something to prove. Who has more on the line in establishing himself as the starting quarterback? Who is safe in finding himself on the 53-man roster regardless of preseason performance? Who needs a strong camp impression to stay relevant in contention? Let’s get into it.
Mason Rudolph
The Steelers used their third-round selection on Rudolph in the 2018 NFL Draft in hopes he would assume the starting role in a Roethlisberger-less offense. Needless to say, that hope is at the tail-end of burning out. Rudolph has been the butt of many jokes from fans and is having trouble earning the trust of Steeler Nation to take over as QB1. But even though he’s the longest-tenured Steelers quarterback on the roster, Rudolph still isn’t the presumed favorite to be the starter in 2022. Rudolph hasn’t put up the necessary tape yet to say he deserves the spot. He still lacks sufficient pocket awareness and doesn’t possess the ideal traits to succeed in a Matt Canada offensive scheme that runs on mobility at the quarterback position. Rudolph has the most to prove in 2022, or it is safe to say he’ll be wearing a different uniform in the not-so-distant future.
Steelers' QB Mason Rudolph makes a throw in OTA's (Karl Roser/Pittsburgh Steelers)
Mitch Trubisky
Trubisky was signed as a free agent in March before the anticipation of the draft kicked in. Trubisky entered the NFL by way of being the second-overall selection in the 2017 NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears. After putting up decent numbers in an otherwise lethargic offense, Trubisky played scapegoat and was ran out of town after the 2020 season.
In 2021, he found himself as the back-up to All-Pro quarterback, Josh Allen with the Buffalo Bills. After being considered a Top-5 overall pick in 2017 to being a back-up in less than 5 years, it is safe to say that Trubisky is looking to get back into the Pro Bowl fold again. Trubisky has a very good chance to find himself under center in September and make a second name for himself in Pittsburgh. Trubisky is looking to prove he’s still a top caliber NFL quarterback and simply needs the pieces in place around him to get him over the playoff hump. Ironically enough, the Steelers are looking for a young quarterback to get past their own playoff hunt and have all the right tools for Trubisky to succeed. Trubisky is in true ‘now or never’ mode in determining if he has a future as a starter in the NFL, or if he’ll plateau as a back-up.
Steelers' QB Mitch Trubisky participates in OTA's (Abigail Dean/Pittsburgh Steelers)
Kenny Pickett
The Steelers used their 20th overall draft pick in 2022 on Pickett. In a class that was relatively lackluster in terms of skill level at the quarterback position, Pickett was the first quarterback taken in the draft and the Steelers seem to like what they got. But with that said, Pickett knows he’s under unspoken pressure. After re-writing the record books at the University of Pittsburgh in an eventual Heisman-finalist campaign, then becoming a first-round NFL Draft pick, Pickett is coming into one of the most successful franchises in sports in an effort to step into a role that was previously held by a future Hall of Fame player for 18 years. Not to mention, Pickett spent a lot of time at the same training facility as the Steelers and is going to see a lot of his old teammates daily.
If you don’t think Pickett is under some of the most pressure heading into 2022, you are sorely mistaken. However, Pickett isn’t under pressure to play like a franchise quarterback in his first run with the first team. He’s able to work with a veteran in Trubisky, get used to the NFL’s game speed, and immerse himself in the playbook to be as ready as possible for whenever he’s called. It is clear Pickett is looking to prove he isn’t another first-round bust at quarterback in 2022.
Steelers' First-Round QB Kenny Pickett drops back in Mini Camp (Karl Roser/Pittsburgh Steelers)
Chris Oladokun
Steelers' rookie QB Chris Oladokun participates in Rookie Mini Camp (Karl Roser/Pittsburgh Steelers)
You may not think a seventh-round selection has a lot to prove in camp, but that isn’t necessarily the case. Oladokun was a bit of a journeyman in college playing in multiple mid-major programs throughout the country. He’s always had to face competition to earn the starting spot on each team and was considered a long shot to even hear his name called during the draft. But even as a dark horse to earn the Steelers’ starting job, Oladokun has a lot to prove. First, there is only room for three quarterbacks on the final roster. Seeing as through he’s currently sitting in the fourth spot, Oladokun is going to need an impressive preseason to remain in Pittsburgh. In addition, similar to Pickett and opposite of Rudolph and possibly Trubisky, Oladokun needs to prove his maturity and a smooth transition into the NFL after playing around at smaller schools. Even though Oladokun wasn’t drafted to take the starting job immediately, he has a legitimate chance to earn that spot.
Who do you think has the most to prove at quarterback? Who do you think will win the starting job? Let us know in the comments section below!
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