For the past two years, ever since Ben Roethlisberger turned 30, the Steelers have been questioned on when they would draft a quarterback to develop behind the two-time Super Bowl winner.
Based on a tweet from ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter, this could be the year: "Worth noting: Steelers' braintrust had dinner with Tennessee QB Tyler Bray before attending his Pro Day."
Bray surprisingly left Tennessee with a year of eligibility remaining. ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper once said that Bray could've been a first-round pick if he had stayed in college another year. Now, Bray is projected to go in the third or fourth round.
There's no question that Bray has an NFL arm. He can make all the throws, including the deep out. The ball flies out of the hand of the 6-foot-5 Bray. NFL Films' Greg Cosell believes Bray has the "best arm talent" in the draft.
Bray also has the confidence to fit the ball in tight windows. Some have compared Bray's gunslinger mentality to Roethlisberger, but he doesn't have the same improvisational skills.
There is some concern about Bray's maturity and work ethic. He had a couple of incidents last summer, including a reckless boating charge that was dismissed and a citation for vandalism for throwing beer cans on parked cars.
Earlier Wednesday, I was asked on the chat whether the Steelers would take a quarterback in the draft. After the Steelers signed Bruce Gradkowski to a three-year deal this offseason, it looked like the Steelers wouldn't take a quarterback until the late rounds. But, if this report about Bray is any indication, the Steelers could take a quarterback earlier than many expect.
