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Though Mason Rudolph starts under center for the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 3, the Western Pennsylvania NFL franchise never expected to so quickly need a replacement for quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, although it had an idea of the offense's future.
Per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport on Twitter, the Steelers had a “first-round grade” on the 24-year-old quarterback, who was eventually selected by the team in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft.
“The [Steelers] had a first-round grade on him in the draft and has viewed him as a successor to Ben Roethlisberger. One reason why they were willing to part with a first-round pick for Minkah Fitzpatrick.”
One note on #Steelers QB Mason Rudolph: The team had a first-round grade on him in the draft and has viewed him as a successor to Ben Roethlisberger. One reason why they were willing to part with a first-round pick for Minkah Fitzpatrick.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 22, 2019
Pittsburgh made a stunning move in acquiring defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick from the reeling Miami Dolphins, sending a first-round pick in exchange for the promising second-year player to fortify the secondary. However, with the perceived “steal” in taking Rudolph in the third round of last year's draft, it better explains the Steelers' mindset in sending a first-rounder for the talented Fitzpatrick, who requested a trade out of Miami.
Rudolph will make his first career start in the NFL for the Steelers on Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers. Although he played in the second half last week after Roethlisberger's first-half elbow injury, Rudolph's first real taste at full preparation for an NFL game will pay off with Pittsburgh's road game against the Niners.
The 6-foot-5 signal-caller completed 12 of 19 passes for 112 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception last week.
