Steelers move up to take potential Roethlisberger successor Rudolph

The Pittsburgh Steelers have selected quarterback Mason Rudolph out of Oklahoma State in the third round with the 76th overall pick of the 2018 NFL Draft after a trade up with the Seattle Seahawks.

The Seahawks received the 79th and 220th overall picks from the Steelers to slide slightly back.

Rudolph will slot in as Ben Roethlisberger's backup, possibly serving as the team's third-string quarterback in his rookie year with a plan to develop him into a starter.

The Oklahoma State product will be reunited with his college teammate receiver James Washington, who was selected with the Steelers' previous pick during the second round. The two were one of the most prolific passing combinations in college the past two seasons.

Mason Rudolph Bio

Position: QB
School: Oklahoma State
College Experience: Senior
Height: 6-5
Weight: 235 lbs

Strengths

• Ideal size and plays with toughness, often taking shots in the pocket to allow routes to develop in Oklahoma's downfield offense.
• Consistently strong ball placement from the pocket. Maximizes short passing game with yards after the catch.
• Arguably the best deep passer in the class. Understands how to lead receiver downfield with touch and accuracy.
• Willing to attack every level of the field and anticipates throwing lanes well.

Weaknesses

• Below-average athlete. Made plays in college by escaping pressure, but could struggle outside the pocket against NFL-caliber athletes.
• Lacks velocity on some throws. Doesn't have the arm talent to fit the ball into tight windows or make throws from difficult positions.
• Wasn't asked to move off his first or second read often as part of a play-action-heavy scheme.
• Active feet in the pocket, but can overreact to pressure at times and move out of the best position.

Athletic testing