Apr 29, 2017 4 min read

PITTSBURGH – Plenty of mock drafts had the Steelers taking a quarterback with their first pick in the weekend’s NFL draft.

The Steelers, did just that. Only the quarterback was selected with their first pick on the third day of the draft when they selected Tennessee quarterback Josh Dobbs in the fourth round.

The pick of Dobbs came after the Steelers addressed their pressing needs on the draft’s first two days as they selected Wisconsin outside linebacker T.J. Watt in the first round, Southern California wide receiver Ju-Ju Smith-Schuster in the second and cornerback Cameron Sutton of Tennessee and Pitt running back James Conner with their two third-round choices.

“We think we really added some good players that will really help us in different areas, areas that we needed to get some help, quite honestly,” said Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert.

After taking Dobbs in the fourth round, the Steelers selected Utah cornerback Brian Allen in the fifth round, long snapper Colin Holba of Louisville in the sixth and outside linebacker Keion Adams of Western Michigan in the seventh.

There was some speculation the Steelers might be in the market for a quarterback after Ben Roethlisberger contemplated retirement in the offseason. But the 35-year-old Roethlisberger has committed to playing in 2017 and has a contract that runs through 2019.

“I’m not trying to replace anyone,” said Dobbs. “I am just trying to be the best I can be each and every day. Show up and work and learn as much as I can from a future Hall of Famer. It’s definitely an amazing opportunity.”

Dobbs (6-3, 216) gives the Steelers a young developmental quarterback to compete for a roster spot and perhaps push veteran third-stringer Zach Mettenberger off the roster.

“I think you are always trying to better yourselves in the (quarterback) room,” said Steelers quarterbacks coach Randy Fichtner.

“It’s a matter of strengthening the room, finding some characteristics that he can bring to the Steelers.”

What Dobbs brings is athleticism and smarts. Dobbs beat out Nathan Peterman – who then transferred to Pitt – for the starting job at Tennessee as a freshman and started for four seasons.

Along the way, he earned a degree in aerospace engineering. He’s not quite a rocket scientist, but he’s no dummy, either.

“It’s great to have an engineering degree,” said Dobbs, who threw for 7,138 yards and rushed for another 2,160 in his career. “The preparation and the mental aptitude and toughness that it takes to push through four years of college, pursuing an aerospace engineering degree with a business minor and playing Division I SEC football, that’s the same amount of pressure you have to take onto the field as a quarterback.

“I don’t feel like your academic background should prohibit you from playing football. I love the game of football. I have loved it since I played it when I was five.”

That was an overwhelming theme for the Steelers in this draft – taking players who have a passion for football and have been team leaders.

“That is the type of guy we have coveted always,” said head coach Mike Tomlin. “You hear Kevin mention it all the time: hearts and smarts. A lot of these guys excel in those areas. They display a tremendous passion for the game in their play. They are smart, accomplished young men.”

In Allen, the Steelers acquired a 6-3, 215-pound cornerback who is a converted wide receiver. He has played only 12 games at cornerback but has five interceptions.

Holba (6-4, 248) intrigued the Steelers because of his size. And with veteran long snapper Greg Warren now 35, the Steelers wanted a young player for competition purposes and didn’t feel it could wait to bring one in after the draft.

“In college football, most long snappers are walkons,” said Colbert. “A lot of these college snappers are 6-1, 215- to 220-pound guys, which would really have a hard time snapping and blocking in our league.”

Walker (6-2, 245) gives the Steelers another outside linebacker prospect to add to the mix along with Watt. He recorded 7 1/2 sacks last season, giving him 14 1/2 for his career.

The Steelers signed nine free agents following the draft including Waynesburg’s Scott Orndoff, a tight end from Pitt. Also signed were defensive tackle Christian Brown and running back Rushel Shell from West Virginia, Pitt cornerback Terrish Webb, Mississippi State defensive tackle Nelson Adams, IUP guard Ethan Cooper, Georgia Tech defensive end Francis Kallon, Louisville linebacker Keith Kelsey and Clemson quarterback Nick Schuessler.