Drafting a QB round one would be an injustice to Ben Roethlisberger

The 2017 NFL draft is less than two weeks away, and we know what that means: Mock drafts, speculation, and hot takes are at a fever pitch among fans, analysts, and everyone in between. They all want to know – what direction will the Pittsburgh Steelers go with the 30th pick in the first round?

The general consensus is that Pittsburgh will opt to use their first pick on an edge rusher. Jarvis Jones wasn’t brought back because he largely unimpressed, and James Harrison can’t play forever… or can he? Anthony Chickillo is a currently a question mark, but the door isn’t closed on him. However you slice it, the Steelers have to find a pass-rush specialist somewhere to play opposite the rising Bud Dupree, and the draft is a great place to do it.

The good news is there’s plenty of quality edge guys, or so it appears. The bad news? That quality will drop off quickly after the first round, especially if a run at that position takes place. If there’s a top prospect available at 30 who can make an immediate impact, I believe Pittsburgh pulls the trigger.

Then there’s the scenario in which a top cornerback falls, or a top cornerback prospect the Steelers like is available. What if Gareon Conley falls? What if Kevin King and Chidobe Awuzie are both there? Besides edge rusher, finding a cornerback to pair with Artie Burns is imperative, as Pittsburgh is looking to incorporate more man coverage into their defensive schemes.

More recently, the Jabrill Peppers to Pittsburgh train has also gained some speed. Literally, anything can happen on draft day.

I am personally convinced the first pick will be on the defensive side of the ball. But there’s a sector of fans and analysts alike who think the Steelers just may surprise everyone and… draft… a… quarterback?! In round one?!

That’s right. Although I haven’t seen a large majority of people on board with taking a quarterback first, Pittsburgh has shown interest in former Texas Tech quarterback Patrick Mahomes II. He is the only QB prospect likely to be available at pick 30 that could turn out to be worth the risk.

Let me tell you all – going that route in the first round would be an injustice to Ben Roethlisberger.

Need I remind everyone that Big Ben is only 35-years-old, signed through 2019, and is still playing football at an elite level? I understand that having his heir in place is a good idea, and I am sure the Steelers agree. But let’s not rush 7 out the door, ok?

For some context, Tom Brady is 39 and will be 40 in August. Drew Brees turned 38 in January. Ben Roethlisberger will be 37 when his contract expires. Despite his dramatic retirement talk year after year, I can safely say I’m confident he finishes his deal – and it’s doubtful Roethlisberger leaves millions of dollars on the table.

The biggest reason choosing a quarterback round one would be doing Ben wrong is that, well, he deserves the best possible team around him for his twilight years. Pittsburgh came within one game of making it to the Super Bowl in 2016, they have a small championship window while Roethlisberger is still the captain of the ship.

It makes much, much more sense to fill immediate needs that could help the Steelers get over the hump and challenge the Patriots. A developmental quarterback who most likely wouldn’t play for three years isn’t going to rush the passer, provide better coverage, back up Le’Veon Bell, or give Roethlisberger another receiving weapon.

I’ll drive the point home: The first pick, matter of fact the first 4-5 picks, should be spent on improving the team now for Big Ben, and for his heir. The ideal situation for Ben’s future replacement is having playmakers and a good defense around him. Get those areas taken care of first.

Ben Roethlisberger deserves a chance to go out on top. The draft can help in several ways to that effect, and deep down I know Kevin Colbert and Mike Tomlin will do right by their franchise quarterback.