Heading into the off-season, quarterback was an obvious need for the Pittsburgh Steelers. A few months later, and the room looks vastly different. Things began with the signing of former Chicago Bears and Buffalo Bills quarterback, Mitch Trubisky, on a two-year deal. While Trubisky's been seen as a "bridge" guy ever since the signing, many didn't know if the Steelers would look to the draft in a relatively weak QB class.
Well, they did just that and even stayed within the city of Pittsburgh. Kenny Pickett was selected with the 20th overall pick, and they weren't done just yet. Rather than picking an offensive lineman or safety, the Steelers opted for another quarterback in the seventh round with their final pick. Chris Oladokun was the selection at No. 241 in the 2022 NFL Draft. Just like that, three of the top four quarterbacks on the Steelers were new to the team. Mason Rudolph is the one mainstay from last season, but it remains to be seen how that will transpire in the preseason.
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph (2) takes off on a 26-yard scramble during the second half of an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions in Pittsburgh, Sunday, Nov. 14, 2021. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
So, just what are the chances of rookie Chris Oladokun making the 53-man roster? To start, Trubisky and Pickett are obvious locks to make the team, leaving the third slot open. The third-string job is dependent on a few factors. First and foremost, the team will likely explore potential trade options for Rudolph. The Bears would make some sense, giving sophomore Justin Fields a veteran presence behind him. Imagine the Cleveland Browns being interested, as it looks more and more likely that Deshaun Watson will be suspended the whole 2022 season. If they don't find a trade partner, perhaps they just simply cut ties with Rudolph.
I think a trade remains the most likely option for Rudolph, but who knows? If the Steelers do neither of those, he'll obviously remain on the roster as the likely third-string, barring anything drastic. As a result, Oladokun's prospects of making the 53-man roster would be over. He would likely make the team's practice squad, where he would have more time to develop. In other words, his chances ride on whether or not the Steelers keep Rudolph. Oladokun would have to make the black and gold coaches feel comfortable enough with him as their No. 3 if they were to move on from Rudolph.
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Chris Oladokun (5) participates in Organized Team Activities (OTAs) Thursday May 26, 2022 at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. (Abigail Dean/Pittsburgh Steelers)
The Steelers could even trade Rudolph and stash Oladokun on the practice squad as their third QB. This would allow them to keep an additional guy at a different position. Coming out of college, he was seen as a raw product. Between the three colleges that he played at in five years, Oladokun attempted just 755 total passes. He showed some upside though, as he threw for 47 touchdowns and just 17 interceptions in action. Oladokun has good size and athleticism as well, an important trait for modern-day quarterbacks.
Do you guys think the team will keep Mason Rudolph? Will Chris Oladokun make the 53-man roster or is he destined for the practice squad? Let us know your thoughts on this and anything involving the quarterback situation in Pittsburgh in the comment section below!
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