To no one's surprise, the Pittsburgh Steelers' quarterback competition has been the hot topic at training camp this week. Back in Latrobe for the first time in a few years, since before the COVID-19 pandemic, the quarterbacks have been engaged in a fierce competition for the starting job. While head coach Mike Tomlin said he won't be re-evaluating the QB trio after each rep, that's just what everyone else is doing. Just two days in, the overreactions and such have already began.
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback, Mitch Trubisky (#10) throws a pass at training camp at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, PA on July 28, 2022. | Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO
Mitch Trubisky figures to still be the definite favorite for the job, but veteran Mason Rudolph has impressed in the first two days. Many fans gave him essentially no shot of winning the job, and many believed he would possibly be traded or even cut. Well, although it's just two days into camp, that looks highly unlikely to happen at this point. Wide receiver Chase Claypool expressed how impressive Rudolph has been in the first few days, via ESPN's Brooke Pryor.
"All the receivers say he's [Rudolph] one of the most accurate quarterbacks. It's crazy how accurate he is. He doesn't get enough praise and attention. He's just as in the running as each of those guys."
Chase Claypool praised Mason Rudolph's accuracy this morning:
— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) July 29, 2022
"Mason, all the receivers say, he's one of the most accurate quarterback. It's crazy how accurate he is. He doesn't get enough praise and attention. He's just as in the running as each of those guys."
The end there is notable, as Claypool believes Rudolph is right there in the competition with Trubisky and rookie Kenny Pickett. Speaking of Pickett, he has endured some struggles, which is completely understandable as he continues to try to adjust to the fast-paced nature of the NFL. Pickett was reported to be the third-string at the team's OTAs, and that continues to be the case in training camp.
As for the other guy, fourth-string rookie Chris Oladokun, it's clear that the team plans to likely stash him on the practice squad.
In the first two days, the seventh-rounder is yet to even see the field for a snap. That essentially shows the team is locked in on the three-man battle for the starting job, which leaves Oladokun as the obvious odd man out from making the 53-man roster. Heading into the preseason, that was the likely scenario for him anyways as he was going to have an uphill battle to avoid the practice squad or potentially being cut.
PITTSBURGH, PA - MAY 24: Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Chris Oladokun (5) throws the ball during the team's OTA practice, Tuesday, May 24, 2022, in Pittsburgh, PA. (Photo by Brandon Sloter/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Given that the team felt the need to select another quarterback in the draft though, they clearly think Oladokun has some talent. Coming out of South Dakota State University, he was a bit raw after essentially starting just two college seasons, making him more of a high-upside project at the professional level. Mason Rudolph as the starter for the 2022 Steelers would be quite the story. Entering his fourth season in the black and gold, he's struggled to establish himself in Pittsburgh thus far.
Although it's just two days into training camp, who do you guys think will win the QB job for the Steelers? Do you give Rudolph any chance at winning the competition? Let us know your thoughts on the competition in the comment section below!
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