Quarterbacks the Pittsburgh Steelers should replace Ben Roethlisberger with in 2022

In every story, there is a moment when you have to turn the page and finish the chapter. The Ben Roethlisberger chapter of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ story has been a long, entertaining, and ultimately successful passage. However, it’s become increasingly apparent that the time to close the book on this chapter is rapidly approaching. Which quarterbacks should the Steelers look to in the 2022 NFL Draft to begin the next chapter?

Is it time for the Pittsburgh Steelers to close the book on Ben Roethlisberger?

Roethlisberger has been more than just a chapter in the story of the Steelers. In years to come, his face will adorn the front cover of the Pittsburgh football history books. Since taking the reins as the starter in 2004, “Big Ben” has led this franchise for the best part of 20 years. Even the legendary Terry Bradshaw falls some eight years short of his tenure. 

Roethlisberger’s name is etched all over Steelers record books as well. His 63,106 passing yards far outstrips any other quarterback to don the black and yellow. Furthermore, his 412 passing touchdowns are almost double the next man behind him. Of all quarterbacks that have completed more than a handful of passes in Pittsburgh, Roethlisberger’s 64.4% career completion percentage is better than them all. 

However, the poster boy for Pittsburgh football is more than just a Steelers sensation. Roethlisberger will surpass Philip Rivers to rank fifth in all-time NFL passing yards within the next game or two. He might even achieve the 334 yards required in Thursday’s matchup with Minnesota. Another 9 touchdowns this season will see him surpass Dan Marino for seventh all-time, with 10 more scores enough to knock down Rivers in another milestone. 

Yet, the writing started to appear on the wall rather than in the record books last season. At times, Roethlisberger looked introverted, reflective, and resigned to his retirement. However, he restructured and returned for 2021, telling reporters that he felt “pretty confident that I still had something in the tank, and still wanted to go out and be a part of this team that I feel is pretty special.”

The 2021 season has been a brutal statistical story for the Steelers 

Although Roethlisberger felt that he still had something in the tank, statistics and tape tell a different story. Unless you’re a storybook superhero like Tom Brady, Father Time comes to write his passage over the chronicles of all humankind. The presumptive final words of the “Big Ben” story can be tough to digest for the once king of NFL passers. 

The bare statistics make for uncomfortable reading. “Big Ben” ranks just 18th in total yards (2,578), 18th in passing touchdowns (16), 20th in touchdown percentage (3.9%), 21st in completion percentage (64.8%), and 26th in yards per attempt (6.6). The last is particularly damning, and during the previous three years, Roethlisberger has averaged under 7 yards per attempt. 

The simple fact is that Roethlisberger can no longer drive the ball down the field as he has for the Steelers before. As per NFL Next Gen Stats, the Pittsburgh QB’s longest throw this year is 50.5 air yards. That’s the ninth-worst in the league. Furthermore, he has a -2.4 differential between his intended and completed air yards. 

The combination of these struggles and an expiring contract at the end of the season have reopened the question of Roethlisberger’s retirement. Ahead of the Steelers’ narrow win over the Baltimore Ravens, Adam Schefter of ESPN reported that “Ben Roethlisberger privately has told former teammates and some within the organization that he expects this to be his final season playing quarterback for the Steelers.”

Steelers quarterback targets in the 2022 NFL Draft

While Roethlisberger issued a staunch denial of that report, the Steelers clearly need to address the quarterback position in the 2022 NFL Draft. Regardless of whether “Big Ben” struggles on for another year, neither he nor the duo of Dwayne Haskins and Mason Rudolph that comprise the QB depth chart are the long-term answer in Pittsburgh.

But, what will the Steelers look for in a quarterback? For years they’ve had a 6’5″, 240-pound behemoth leading their offense. Rudolph himself fills a similar stature at 6’5″, 235 pounds. Clearly, Pittsburgh values that makeup at the position, the archetypal passer who can stand in the pocket, make throws downfield, and take his lumps in the cold AFC North and rebound to live another snap.

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Nonetheless, with the addition of Matt Canada’s offense, that archetype isn’t the requisite that it used to be. His blend of pre-snap motion, unbalanced lines, and the desire to run a large amount of play-action place less emphasis on standing in the pocket and delivering the ball 60-70 yards downfield. 

What it does require is a level of football intelligence. Pre-snap motion alters defensive alignments, and a quarterback needs to read and adjust. It also requires a quarterback who can quickly get the ball out of his hands, with Pittsburgh placing a heavy emphasis on screens. Furthermore, the quarterback needs to have the arm to execute the deep shots when presented to them — an issue that has been apparent with Roethlisberger this season. Which quarterbacks in this 2022 NFL Draft class fit?

Kenny Pickett

If the Steelers wanted to write a football fairytale, taking Kenny Pickett would be an absolute no-brainer. The Oakhurst, New Jersey, native has made Pittsburgh his home for the past five years. After returning to school this year, he’s become a Pittsburgh Panthers legend, breaking school records and delivering an ACC Championship to the program. 

However, the fit from Panthers to Steelers is more than just a sensational storyline. Although at 6’3″ and 200 pounds, he’s a little smaller than Big Ben, Pickett possesses a number of the qualities required to run Canada’s offense. He has experience running play-action concepts, and his ability to throw off-script is awe-inspiring. 

While he demonstrates the ability to throw on the run and gain yardage with his legs, Pickett is also one of the toughest quarterbacks in the 2022 NFL Draft. He can hang in the pocket, take hits, and displays competitive toughness. The combination of arm talent, creative mobility, toughness, and mental ability make him a prime target. 

Malik Willis

Roethlisberger’s scouting report coming out of Miami (OH) has an eerie familiarity with Malik Willis‘ current profile. 

“Has a great arm and can make all the throws, including an accurate deep ball with superb timing. Highly instinctive and creative — can make things happen when the play breaks down, improvises very well, and makes it hard for tacklers to bring him down.”

It’s difficult to know if the above is a testament to Roethlisberger or Willis. If you’re looking for his replacement, Willis certainly fits the bill. He also fits the bill in terms of a quarterback who could come in and effectively operate Canada’s offense. There isn’t a quarterback in the 2022 NFL Draft class with a more explosive arm or more dynamic creativity ability. 

However, there are severe and ongoing question marks about Willis’ ability to read a defense that might be too concerning for the Steelers. He showed early promise in this regard this season. Yet, he needed to eradicate too many “boneheaded” plays.

Bailey Zappe

Are you looking to replace a historically productive quarterback from a small-school background? How about a college quarterback from a smaller school, producing at a historical level? Bailey Zappe is within touching distance of setting single-season records this college football season. The Western Kentucky QB has already smashed previous program markers. 

However, Zappe is more than just a statistical anomaly. The former Houston Baptist passer is one of the most intelligent quarterbacks in the 2022 NFL Draft class. He already deals with pre- and post-snap reads at a high level. Furthermore, he’s a deceptive athlete while possessing an accurate and consistent arm.

He may not have the strongest arm in the class, but he’s routinely able to put it on the money downfield. Additionally, he’s adept at zipping the ball into tight windows in the short and intermediate areas. While his 6’1″ height might pose an issue for some teams, Zappe has the goods to make an NFL team happy next spring.

Matt Corral 

After an incredibly productive 2020 season, Matt Corral earned attention as a potential QB1 of the 2022 NFL Draft quarterback class during the summer. While his statistical output hasn’t been as sensational, Corral has undoubtedly boosted his NFL stock with several standout performances during this college football season. 

Corral has an incredible arm. He can make the most difficult throws look easy. Tight windows are routinely not that tight for him. Furthermore, he’s got the strength to propel the ball downfield. In addition to his arm talent, Corral is highly mobile. He combines dynamic running ability with toughness, especially in goal-line situations. 

The Ole Miss offense uses plenty of motion and play-action, giving Corral an understanding of those concepts that will translate to Pittsburgh’s offensive scheme. While the mental aspect of his game requires some fine-tuning, he’s demonstrated progress in that respect this season.