Wow per the PG, Colbert does not rule out drafting a QB in the first round.

[toddjammin]

I can't see it happening

[BigRob]

I can't see it happening

Thats what Packer fans said in 2005. If the QB is the BPA on their board, they will consider it.

Highly unlikely, but you have to start considering it with Ben's injury history and refusal to change the way he plays (His playing style is what makes him great).

Ben is becoming more and more like Steve Mcnair. I expect Ben to have a fantastic season, but the injuries are starting to catch up to him.

[NW Steeler]

Before Ben was hurt this year, I dont think most of us questioned him. At some point they will need to draft a Qb that they view as a future starter. I doubt that it will be this year, at least not a first rounder. Ben's injuries are concerning. They seem to be getting worse every year.

[pfelix73]

That;s just draft speak. Usually, they will rule out a QB in round 1 and say so publicly- like last year.. However, with no QB's worthy of a selection at #17, (or for all of round 1) why not say it?

[7 UP]

Media to Colbert "Would you consider drafting a QB in the first round?"

Colbert to Media "I wouldnt rule anything out."

Media to Public "Steelers may draft QB in round 1!!!!!!!"

[hawaiiansteel]

Steelers don't rule out drafting quarterback early

By Marc Sessler
Around the League Writer
Published: Jan. 17, 2013

Ben Roethlisberger has been a fixture under center for the Pittsburgh Steelers dating back to 2004, but is the team beginning to think ahead?

Coming off a disappointing 8-8 campaign, Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert said Wednesday the team could see a major roster shakeup in the offseason.

Colbert's most surprising revelation came at quarterback, where Pittsburgh is open to drafting a passer in the first round for the first time in almost a decade.

"We won't close the door on any position in any round," Colbert told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. "We can't ... Once we get into free agency and the draft, I don't see any position that's off limits."

It's notable because the Steelers have publicly swatted down the concept of drafting a quarterback in the early rounds ever since Big Ben was chosen 11th overall in 2004. The team has mainly relied on old-as-trees veterans at the position. Roethlisberger has been durable -- and certainly productive -- enough to allow that.

The 30-year-old, two-time Super Bowl winner started 13 games this season, but battled through painful injuries for the second year in a row. Roethlisberger still played at an MVP level for stretches, and Pittsburgh isn't about to uproot him for another, but the team is acknowledging that even their sturdy situation under center can't last forever.

[URL]http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap1000000127620/article/steelers-dont-rule-out-drafting-quarterback-early[/URL]

[SanAntonioSteelerFan]

Rather than draft another QB in case Ben gets hurt, I'd put the $$ into drafting an O line to KEEP Ben from getting hurt.

I know, stupid stupid, I'll never be tapped to be GM w/ ideas like that.

[Sugar]

Welcome to Pittsburgh Matt Barkley!!!

[Sugar]

Rather than draft another QB in case Ben gets hurt, I'd put the $$ into drafting an O line to KEEP Ben from getting hurt.

I know, stupid stupid, I'll never be tapped to be GM w/ ideas like that.

The fact is that no matter how good the OL is, a QB can be hurt and hurt badly. See Tom Brady in that regard.

[phillyesq]

Media to Colbert "Would you consider drafting a QB in the first round?"

Colbert to Media "I wouldnt rule anything out."

Media to Public "Steelers may draft QB in round 1!!!!!!!"

Yeah, I think this is just a bit overblown to attract some attention in the offseason. I could see the Steelers drafting a backup / developmental QB early if the right guy is available, but would be very surprised if they did so in the first round.

[supersteeler]

If this was 2015 I would say yep, QB in round one.

The possibility would be strong even this year IF enough good QB's were there in the draft, but only a few if any and they are likely gone by other teams that need them as we speak. I would say the 2014 draft and after QB will be a priority for the future.

[JUST-PLAIN-NASTY]

Make it known so someone tries to jump back in ahead of the Steelers to get a QB if they passed on them early. Then maybe a run goes in a panic. Pushing someone down. Just a game of words right now. IF KC was talking truth about turning over an 8-8 roster the Steelers will have many spots up for grabs. Stock up on picks by moving back. The Steelers filling a need at OLB may be gone when #17 comes around...I think they will be left without one. Their needs at S & WR can be solved by moving back some & getting an extra pick. RB & ILB look to be later judging by the weak class on them. I just don't see really good value at #17 unless someone falls. I think the pass rushers will be gone.

[Eddie Spaghetti]

I will be happy with just a solid draft from colbert in rounds 2-5. While he is taking a howitzer to the team, I hope he pauses for a look in the mirror. His draft record has been pretty spotty the last few years, IMO. Haven't heard him mention that however.

[lloydroid]

I will be happy with just a solid draft from colbert in rounds 2-5. While he is taking a howitzer to the team, I hope he pauses for a look in the mirror. His draft record has been pretty spotty the last few years, IMO. Haven't heard him mention that however.

He and the Steelers are arrogant when it comes to their job at drafting; only problem is, they haven't really been drafting that great lately, but they don't bother to notice that part. They prefer to just keep assuming their wet farts don't stink, while everyone else in the room is throwing up from the hideous stench.

[Shawn]

Welcome to Pittsburgh Matt Barkley!!!

Matt Barkley=Colt McCoy

I would rather have Landry Jones.