Roethlisberger 'surprised' Steelers drafted QB Rudolph
Ben Roethlisberger does not understand why the Pittsburgh Steelers selected quarterback Mason Rudolph in the third round last week.
For one, Roethlisberger told the "Cook and Poni" show on KDKA-AM on Friday, he plans to play "three or five more years" and does not need a successor in place so soon. He also thought the team's depth at quarterback was fine with Landry Jones and Joshua Dobbs in place.
"I was surprised when they took a quarterback," Roethlisberger, 36, said. "Because I thought that maybe in the third round, you can get some really good football players that can help this team now. And nothing against Mason, I think he's a great football player ... I just don't know how backing up or being the third guy -- who knows where he's going to be on the depth chart -- helps us win now."
Rudolph threw 92 touchdowns and 26 interceptions during a prolific career at Oklahoma State. He was the sixth quarterback selected in the draft after Baker Mayfield (Cleveland), Sam Darnold (New York Jets), Josh Allen (Buffalo), Josh Rosen (Arizona) and Lamar Jackson (Baltimore). Many pegged Rudolph as Roethlisberger's successor after the pick was announced.
Roethlisberger is not so sure. He flirted with the idea of retirement before last season, but he returned to pass for 4,251 yards and 28 touchdowns in 15 starts. He ranks eighth in NFL history with 51,065 passing yards and needs 411 yards to pass John Elway (51,475) for seventh place. Roethlisberger's 329 passing touchdowns rank ninth all time.
Jones started one game for Roethlisberger last season. He finished the year with 239 passing yards, one touchdown and one interception. Dobbs did not play in a regular-season game as a rookie fourth-round pick out of Tennessee.
"Those two guys are who I feel the worst for," Roethlisberger said. "I'll be honest, I wasn't worried about (Rudolph) coming and taking my job. I feel confident that I can go out and beat whoever I need to beat out for my job. ... I do feel bad for those guys.
"I don't know what's going to happen. I assume Landry's still the, I don't really know. And Josh, same thing. Last year you take him in the fourth round, so does that mean the Steelers screwed up that pick? Like do they think he wasn't the one they thought, or has he not developed the way they thought? Why else would you take a quarterback in the third round the next year?"
When asked about potentially mentoring Rudolph, Roethlisberger mostly dismissed the idea.
"I don't think I'll need to, now that he said he doesn't need me. If he asks me a question, I might just have to point to the playbook," he said with a laugh.
Rudolph told reporters last week that it will be his own job to learn rather than relying on Roethlisberger. The latter said Friday that he will answer questions if Rudolph asks, but he added that Jones can help Rudolph as well.
The Steelers finished 13-3 and made their fourth consecutive playoff appearance last season. They lost 45-42 in the divisional round to the Jacksonville Jaguars despite an epic performance from Roethlisberger, who passed for 469 yards and five touchdowns.
--Field Level Media
