2017 NFL Draft: Grading the Pittsburgh Steelers class

Nov 26, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers running back James Conner (24) leaves the field after defeating the Syracuse Orange at Heinz Field. PITT won 76-61. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers running back James Conner (24) leaves the field after defeating the Syracuse Orange at Heinz Field. PITT won 76-61. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 29, 2016; Columbia, SC, USA; Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Joshua Dobbs (11) rolls out against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the second quarter at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 29, 2016; Columbia, SC, USA; Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Joshua Dobbs (11) rolls out against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the second quarter at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports /

Steelers fans turned frantic when Ben Roethlisberger told a radio station this offseason he will take time each offseason to ponder his future. Roethlisberger has taken a lot of licks over his career and the Steelers front office began the search for the heir to Roethlisberger’s throne with this pick.

Josh Dobbs had a productive career at the University of Tennessee. He excelled creating plays with his intellect and his mobility. The former Volunteer was one of the best dual-threat quarterbacks in college football. He showed above-average arm strength and a tight spiral. Dobbs downfall mainly came from his accuracy or lack thereof. His ball placement was all over the field and despite rocket scientist level intellect, made more than a handful of poor decisions throwing the ball.

Dobbs has the athleticism and size to develop behind Roethlisberger, but promising he will be the next Dak Prescott may be a stretch. Dobbs will need time but as of now it looks like he projects to be more of Landry Jones eventual replacement instead of Roethlisberger’s.

Grade: C