It's only OTAs but this Steelers veteran is finally living up to the hype

The Pittsburgh Steelers continue through their organized team activities, and the talk of the town has centered on the quarterback room. From the ups and downs of Will Howard to the steady leadership of Mason Rudolph, all eyes are on Pittsburgh’s signal callers.

Oh, and how could we forget, what will happen with Aaron Rodgers and will he actually sign?

At this point, though, one has to wonder if Rodgers is even worth the time, given how Rudolph has looked so far in OTAs. He has been praised by just about everyone who has talked about his play.

From his ability on the field to how he has presented himself in front of the media, this isn’t the young and unproven third-round pick from a few seasons ago. Rudolph has become a leader, and given the uncertainty in the quarterback room, he is earning the starter job every day.

The Pittsburgh Steelers are finally getting the best version of Mason Rudolph

Rudolph’s first stint with the team was marred by mediocrity. Fans quickly turned on him after a disappointing second season, and while he proved to be a fine backup, he was the butt of a lot of jokes and a constant cut candidate.

Fast forward to his last season with the team, when he was stuck as the third quarterback on the depth chart behind Kenny Pickett and Mitch Trubisky. Through injury and equally bad play, Rudolph turned this team around and got them to the payoff in his handful of starts.

You didn’t see an elite quarterback blossom during that stretch, but you saw a guy that you can at least win with. No, he isn’t going to outduel the elite quarterbacks currently in the NFL, but he can hold his own and keep the team alive in games.

Showing up and playing the role of quarterback one, even though Rodgers still looms as a massive question mark, is just further proof of that. He has to realize he once again isn’t the first choice, but his demeanor and attitude still allow him to present himself in a positive light.

I am in full support of letting Rudolph start this season, and I have been for a while. No, I don’t think this would be a Cinderella story, but he could do enough to have a winning season and maybe even make the playoffs. It is impossible to root against him right now, and the Steelers need to see that ahead of training camp.