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For those of you who read the headline to this article and rolled your eyes thinking “Here we go again with another 53-man roster prediction article” — think again.
Every outlet around the country is doing their own version of predicting who will, and won’t, make the Pittsburgh Steelers’ final roster after training camp. The offseason has officially ended, but I decided to go a bit more in-depth on the prediction side of things. Therefore, I decided to lead up to my first complete 53-man roster prediction by going position-by-position and deciding who makes the team and who doesn’t.
Today’s position: Quarterback
Depth Chart/Roster:
Ben Roethlisberger
Landry Jones
Joshua Dobbs
Mason Rudolph
This will certainly be something not decided until training camp/the preseason rolls around, but I have a feeling I know what the depth chart will look like, and how each player will fit into the team’s scheme when all is said and done, barring injury.
Starter:
Ben Roethlisberger (QB) — Entering year 15, Big Ben is still the man.
Depth Chart:
Landry Jones — In the final year of his contract with the team, the organization still feels Jones is capable of keeping the ship afloat if something happens to Roethlisberger. Despite what fans think of Jones, it is unlikely he is unseated as the top backup for the 2018 season.
Mason Rudolph — Depending on his performance in the preseason, Rudolph will likely show signs of a potential starter, or signs of a career backup. Either way, with the team making an NFL Draft trade to select him in the third round it is unlikely he finds himself on the outside looking in when it comes to the depth chart. Best-case scenario for Rudolph is he excels when on the field and pushes Jones for the top backup spot. Worst-case scenario is Rudolph shows he needs the development and uses 2018 to improve.
Joshua Dobbs — Dobbs’ athleticism is too enticing for the Steelers to part ways with. Keeping four quarterbacks might seem ridiculous to some, but the Steelers very well could feel they have their future depth chart on the roster. After 2018, Roethlisberger, Rudolph and Dobbs would make a very solid trio of quarterbacks. Looking further down the road, Dobbs could be a Charlie Batch-type backup who could win the team games if called upon. Dobbs remains inactive every week, barring injury, but stays on the roster.
Players to be Cut:
None.
Roster Spots taken: 50/53
Next position: Tight Ends
Past Articles:
Predicting the Starting Safeties
Predicting the Starting Inside Linebackers
Predicting the Starting Wide Receivers
Predicting the Starting Running Backs
Predicting the Starting Cornerbacks
Predicting the Starting Outside Linebackers
Predicting the Starting Offensive Linemen
Predicting the Starting Specialists
Predicting the Starting Defensive Line