At this point, Steeler Nation knows that the upcoming quarterback battle between Mitch Trubisky, Mason Rudolph and Kenny Pickett is going to be "fierce." Heading into rookie mini-camp and organized team activities (OTA's) in a few days, competition will begin to pick up, and it's going to be exciting to see which quarterback emerges as the true QB1 for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Before all of that gets underway however, we thought it would be cool to see a side-by-side comparison of all three QB's when it comes to their most notable physical features. Let's take a look:
Mitchell Trubisky
Trubisky is a high-end quarterback prospect who possesses NFL size, a big arm and the ability to throw with accuracy from the pocket or on the move. Despite playing in a spread-based offense, he's a full-field reader who does a very good job of getting an early read on the safeties before crafting his course of action. Trubisky will have to become much more pocket aware and do a better job of recognizing and attacking blitzes to back NFL defensive coordinators off. He hasn't put all the pieces together yet, but the puzzle is all right in front. Trubisky projects as a good starting quarterback with a high floor and the potential to be great.
6-2, 222lbs, 32" arm length, & 9 1/2" hands
4.67/40, 27 1/2" vertical, 116" BJ, 6.87 3-Cone, & 4.25 20-yard shuffle
Mason Rudolph
Pocket quarterback with good size who has shown consistent improvement as a passer. Rudolph is more of a downfield, play-action passer than a quarterback who can win with precision and arm strength. He's a capable field reader who has the ability to operate with timing which will be important since his arm can be dull at times. Rudolph could be an early backup with the potential of becoming an average to below average starter in the league.
6-4 5/8", 235lbs, 32 3/8" arm length, 77 7/8" wingspan, & 9 1/8" hands
4.9/40 & 26" vertical
Kenny Pickett
Pickett has five years of game experience and four years of starting experience for Pitt. He's a fairly toolsy pocket passer with good mobility. He operated in a passing scheme featuring vertical concepts that created big-play opportunities but left food on the plate when he failed to play chess against the back-end of the coverage. Pickett works with average anticipation but drives the ball with good velocity, which should help him shine in pre-draft passing drills. Pickett's touch and placement need work, but his accuracy stats were damaged by an inordinate amount of drops throughout his career. The top indicator for future success or failure will likely rest in a team's ability to build Pickett's trust, poise and discipline from the pocket. He can make all the throws, but he'll only be able to execute against disguised fronts and NFL pressure if he's willing to hang in and win with his eyes first. He carries a boom/bust label, but the 2021 tape and productivity showed off his potential to become a good starter in time.
6-3 1/4", 217lbs, 30 5/8 (11th percentile), 73 3/4" wingspan, & 8 1/2" hands
4.73/40, 1.59 10-yard split, 33 1/2" vertical, & 121" BJ
Looking at the workout numbers, it is clear that Trubisky and Pickett have the advantage over Rudolph. Both are in the 70th percentile or higher in all workout numbers when comparing them to other QB's. Their 40's historically are impressive, but in the most recent history of the scrambling QB, neither will be mistaken for Lamar Jackson anytime soon.
Who do yinz think has the physical advantage among the three quarterbacks? Click to comment below!
#SteelerNation
