Mason Rudolph is saying all the right things after Ben Roethlisberger’s comments

Just when you thought everything was cool and calm within the Pittsburgh Steelers organization, the 2018 NFL Draft happens and turns everything on its head.

First, the top pick of Terrell Edmunds shocked everyone, then the team drafted a quarterback who many believe could be the heir to the Steelers quarterback throne in Mason Rudolph.

After the selection Rudolph said all the right stuff, and when asked about learning under Roethlisberger he mentioned how it wasn’t Ben’s job to teach him, but for him to go in and work his butt off to learn the system.

Simple enough, right? Well, for Ben Roethlisberger it wasn’t. Roethlisberger had some poignant words for the organization for selecting Rudolph, and didn’t seem too interested in helping Rudolph get acclimated to life in the NFL.

In fact, Roethlisberger mentioned Rudolph’s “It isn’t Ben’s job to teach me” quote, and suggested Rudolph doesn’t want his help. While this likely couldn’t be further form the truth, Rudolph had to know plenty of outlets were going to come knocking wanting a response.

He appeared on the NFL Network show “Path to the Draft” and had this to say about the entire situation:

“If I was Ben, I’d probably say the same thing. He’s a competitor. Obviously, he has a lot of confidence in himself, like I do. He’s going to be a future Hall of Famer and I would expect him to say that. I’m just looking forward to going in there and learning the system, competing and raising my level of play. Preparing like I’m the starter even though I obviously won’t be the starter. Just waiting, waiting and being prepared for whenever I get my time. When my time comes, to be ready and take advantage of it.”

Pretty stand-up response on Rudolph’s behalf. It just seems odd the rookie is the one giving the stand-up response while the to-be 15-year veteran is causing a stir over a third round draft pick.

The fan base will likely pick sides in this situation, but the truth of the matter is you can expect the two to be copacetic when they finally hit the field together. After all, Rudolph isn’t threatening Roethlisberger’s spot atop the quarterback depth chart, but merely wants a chance to show what he can do — and learn.

Here is to hoping this is the last of this story we hear from either player, as the Steelers’ rookie minicamp kicks off this Friday, May 11th at the team’s headquarters. Stay tuned to BTSC for the latest on this story, and others, surrounding the black-and-gold.