The Pittsburgh Steelers made a significant decision by choosing former Oklahoma State quarterback Mason Rudolph in the third round of this year's draft. It has put a major spotlight on Rudolph that has pinpointed him as the potential replacement for Pro Bowl quarterback Ben Roethlisberger down the road.
Since the start of the offseason workouts, Rudolph has continued to impress the Steelers coaching staff with what he has been able to do on the practice field. In fact, offensive coordinator Randy Fichtner has voiced that the rookie quarterback has done everything that has been asked of him so far, according to Ed Bouchette of The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
“Mason’s been everything we’ve asked, for sure,” Fichtner said. “Throws, obviously, a nice ball. The physical things are all there. Obviously mentally and learning is an acquired taste; that’s going to come through reps, physical reps, in-helmet perspectives, things that you’re not going to get and it’s not going to happen overnight.”
This could bode well for Rudolph to make a serious run toward earning the backup spot behind Roethlisberger over veteran quarterback Landry Jones. If anything, it could signal that there may be a serious competition for that spot on the depth chart throughout the rest of the offseason and preseason.
The 22-year-old has shown to be a promising prospect on the field that has the physical attributes that could help him acquaint himself at the next level being 6-foot-5 and 235 pounds along with a strong and accurate arm. The opportunity to learn behind Roethlisberger could help make the transition an easier process.
The amount of praise and optimism about what Rudolph brings to the table could lead to him being a long-term piece of the puzzle and eventual next face of the franchise down the line. In the meantime, he has quickly made a strong impression on his new team.
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