The past few weeks have been filled with news regarding who the Pittsburgh Steelers will take in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Most of the speculation has been around the idea of the Steelers drafting a quarterback, and they sure have met with many of them.
While fans and pundits alike have thrown out names like Malik Willis, Kenny Pickett, Desmond Ridder, and Matt Corral just to name a few, the name some have lost focus on already is Mitch Trubisky.
The Steelers signed Mitchell Trubisky on the first day of the NFL FA tampering period back in March of 2022. | Twitter: @NFL
Is it entirely possible that one of the quarterbacks in the draft this year become the next face of the Steelers franchise for years to come? Sure, it could happen...
Is it also entirely possible that Trubisky comes in and eliminates the need to spend a first round draft pick on a quarterback in a class that hasn't been as highly touted as in years past? Absolutely...
Fans and media alike oftentimes become enthralled with the possibility of finding the next "guy." The player that alters the course of your franchise for the better, and that's never more true than when it comes to talking about quarterbacks.
With all the talk that surrounds the Steelers replacing future Hall of Famer Ben Roethlisberger, I ask the question, why can't it be Mitch Trubisky?
Let's say the Steelers don't go quarterback in the first round, can Trubisky be "The Guy" for this team? I believe he can be.
In four years with the Chicago Bears, Trubisky threw for 10,609 yards while completing 64.1% of his passes for 64 touchdowns to 38 interceptions, while posting a QBR of 87.0. In addition, Trubisky also rushed for 1,087 yards and found the end zone eight times.
A 27-year-old quarterback with size, mobility, and the ability to improvise, where else have Steelers fans seen this before I wonder?
Dec 20, 2020; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Mitchell Trubisky (10) runs with the ball during the second quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
I'm not saying that Trubisky is the next Roethlisberger, however, I am saying that it's easy to get wrapped up in the "what's next" when talking about finding a quarterback, that you miss what's in front of you.
There's certainly questions to be answered on what Trubisky will be able to do in Pittsburgh, but don't be so quick to view him as the "filler" in between Roethlisberger and the next "guy."
Steelers are pulling in a proven veteran into an even better situation
Not buying it? Maybe take a look at what the Bears have done before and since. Take into account the newfound stability that comes with playing for the Steelers. Observe the new coaching staff that Trubisky will playing under. A solid running game featuring Najee Harris that will allow Trubisky to improvise outside of the pocket, along with improvements to the offensive line to keep his jersey clean. Options that include Chase Claypool, Pat Freiermuth, and Diontae Johnson. Not to mention the fact that he spent all last season learning from OC (Now Head Coach of the New York Giants) Brian Daboll, and arguably the best quarterback in the NFL, Josh Allen.
All of these factors complemented with one of the league's best defenses puts Trubisky in a position to succeed in the black & gold.
Trubisky has the tools to succeed as a starter, he's shown that in Chicago. I understand why the questions exist, but he's our quarterback, and before we jump right into what we as fans might feel is the next best thing, I think we ought to be asking ourselves, "how much noise can Mitch Trubisky make for this team this year?"
I think by seasons end, you might be seeing more "Mitchburgh" shirts than previously anticipated, and I'm a believer in #10.
Check out some sweet Trubisky highlights here while you're at it.
What do you think? Will Mitch Trubisky play well enough to win the QB1 job for the foreseeable future? Can he be "The Guy" for the Steelers? How do you feel about taking or skipping on a QB in the first round? Let us know in the comment section below.
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