2018 NFL Draft: Biggest takeaways and storylines from Day 2
2. Steelers pick a pair of Pokes
There was talk of as many as six quarterbacks coming off the board in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft. Lamar Jackson went off the board at No. 32, the fifth passer of the first round. After that the quarterback position went quiet.
While the Pittsburgh Steelers were waiting on their quarterback of the future they grabbed Oklahoma State receiver James Washington (Round 2, Pick 28). The former No. 1 at Oklahoma State is one of many options in the Pittsburgh offense, which will keep him out of tight coverage and give him opportunities on intermediate routes.
Not long after they’d grabbed Washington, they picked his former quarterback, Mason Rudolph (Round 3, Pick 12). Ben Roethlisberger has mentioned retirement in passing comments, and having someone to groom as his replacement is a wise decision. That’s why the Steelers went after Joshua Dobbs last year and it’s why they’re going back the quarterback well with Rudolph in 2018.
Rudolph and Washington were one of the best passing tandems in the country at Oklahoma State. They’ll be able to pick up right where they left off. That’s more than a feel good story, it’s smart picking.