Mark Madden's Hot Take: Steelers have more immediate draft needs than quarterback

A whole slew of “experts” think the Pittsburgh Steelers should draft a quarterback. Turn on ESPN. Adam Schefter, Dan Graziano and Booger McFarland are hot for the Steelers to select a QB.

Not necessarily in the first round, where the Steelers pick 24th. Maybe in the third or fourth round. Mason Rudolph was a third-round pick in 2018. Look how great that’s worked out. Imagine what the Steelers could accomplish with a second Mason Rudolph. If the original leaves when his contract expires after the coming season, they still have a Xerox.

The Steelers need a quarterback for later. They need a running back right now.

But running backs are disposable. The “experts” say it’s a waste to take one in the first round, even if it’s a big-timer like Alabama’s Najee Harris or Clemson’s Travis Etienne.

It’s better to wait till the third or fourth round. Benny Snell was a fourth-round pick in 2019, as was Anthony McFarland last year. Look how great that’s worked out. James Conner was a third-round selection in 2017. Conner had one good year, and now he’s gone.

Regardless of what the “experts” say, you most often get exactly what you draft. Tom Brady in the sixth round is the exception, not the rule.

The Steelers shouldn’t draft a quarterback. Their draft resources should all be used on talent that can help immediately. Be in “win now” mode. If not, there’s no point in bringing back Ben Roethlisberger. (If Roethlisberger plays OK and the Steelers don’t stink, here’s betting he plays again in 2022.)

The Steelers should draft a running back in the first round. They desperately need one. Right now, they have the worst group of running backs in the NFL. Just like last season.

If Harris or Etienne is there at pick No. 24, the Steelers should take him. Roethlisberger might actually hand that guy the ball. If Snell starts, the Steelers will lead the league in passing attempts and finish last in rushing yards. Just like last season. (That might happen anyway.)

Owner Art Rooney keeps carping that the Steelers must restore their rushing attack. Does he think they can do that with Snell?

The Steelers get overly gushy about the center position. So, if Alabama’s Landon Dickerson is available at No. 24, he’s a possibility.

But the Steelers have several holes to fill, a potentially horrific offensive line and a paucity of depth. Their draft could go any number of ways. Their first-round pick could well be the traditional “best athlete available,” just like granddad, dad and Chuck Noll used to draft.

The over/under win total for the Steelers in 2021 is 8½ or 9, depending on the sports book.

Can you bet on the Steelers to win exactly 8½ games? That would be another glorious nonlosing season for coach Mike Tomlin.