Pittsburgh Football: Projected 2-deep depth chart for 2017

Quarterback

Starting quarterback: Max Browne
Backup: Ben DiNucci

Max Browne joins the Pittsburgh offense as a graduate transfer. Browne joins the Pittsburgh after a three-year stint with the USC Trojans in the Pac-12 Conference. He started the first three games of the 2016 season before losing the starting job to Sam Darnold.

Browne completed 69-of-112 passes for 650 passing yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions in 14 total appearances from 2014-2016. In 2014, he was 3-for-7 with 30 passing yards. In 2015, he was 8-for-12 with 113 passing yards.

While his time at USC was limited under center, we’ll see how he fares in a more balanced offense like Pittsburgh. Nathan Peterman adjusted well after transferring from the Tennessee Volunteers football program in 2014.

Peterman threw for 2,287 passing yards and 20 passing touchdowns in his first season as full-time starter. He also completed 61.7 percent of his passes.

The Panthers have three starters returning on the offensive line which works in Browne’s favor. It will be interesting to see how he does as the starter going into 2017.

Next: NFL Mock Draft 2018: Way-too-early edition

At backup, there’s redshirt sophomore Ben DiNucci. He appeared in two games in his first active season in 2016. He went 3-of-9 with 16 passing yards, a touchdown and two interceptions last season.