The Pittsburgh Steelers have only one pick in the Top 100 in the 2020 NFL draft. This means barring a trade to stockpile picks, Pittsburgh cannot miss with this pick. But will the Steelers take the philosophy of drafting a player who can have an impact as a rookie, or look to the future?
In the new two-round mock draft by Todd McShay of ESPN, he took the look-to-the-future approach with Pittsburgh’s second-round pick. Instead of opting for a defender who can come in and fill a void or an upgrade at a skill position, McShay looks to the successor for Ben Roethlisberger and goes with former Washington quarterback Jacob Eason.
Here’s what McShay had to say about the pick.
Ben Roethlisberger isn’t getting any younger, and last season showed us that the other quarterbacks in Pittsburgh’s system aren’t the future. Eason has some developing to do, but there’s no denying his raw arm strength and terrific measurables. Learning behind Roethlisberger for a season could help him find success at the next level.
In studying Eason it’s clear he is the definition of a high risk/high reward prospect. His ceiling is as high as any quarterback in the draft. He’s got an ideal frame for the NFL game, one of the strongest arms in the draft and is a smart player. But his inconsistency really gives him a low floor as well if he doesn’t get proper coaching.
There’s no denying the similarities between Eason and Roethlisberger which makes this pick seem far more plausible. But would a player like wide receiver Jalen Reagor or running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire do more to give the Steelers a chance to win while Roethlisberger is playing well?
