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Steelers 2016 Mock Draft

ByRich Donahue

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Jan 9, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) scrambles with the ball during the fourth quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals in the AFC Wild Card playoff football game at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) scrambles with the ball during the fourth quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals in the AFC Wild Card playoff football game at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports /

Vernon Adams, Oregon Quarterback

With the team moving on fromBruce GradkowskiandMike Vick, the Steelers could be looking to add a quarterback late in the draft. Though they may not find the future replacement forBen Roethlisbergerin the seventh round, adding a quarterback with tremendous upside doesn’t hurt. Picking a player like Oregon quarterbackVernon Adamscould be worth it at this spot.

The Steelers have taken signal callers out of Eugene in the past.Dennis Dixonwas selected in the fifth round of the 2008 draft after freefalling following a broken leg that ended his Duck career. Adams road to the NFL did not begin at Oregon likeDixon.

Adams started his career at FCS power Eastern Washington. With the Eagles, he passed for over 10,000 yards and 110 touchdowns in 3 seasons. He was two-time Big Sky Offensive Player of the Year and a two-time runner up for the Walter Payton Award, FCS’s version of the Heisman.

Though he’s not your prototypical quarterback (5’11 201), Adams showed with the Ducks that he can adjust his game to a higher level. Injuries did hinder him at the start of the 2015, but came into his own by the end of the year. Adams finished the 2,643 yards and 26 touchdowns leading Oregon to 6 straight wins down the stretch before the teamimploding in the second halfvs TCU at the Alamo Bowl.

Next: Steelers Prospect Watch: Kendall Fuller

Projected as aRussell Wilsontype quarterback with a smaller frame, there is no guarantee that Adams will succeed in making an NFL roster. Sitting behind Ben andLandry Jonesfor a few seasons would allow him to develop inTodd Haley’ssystem and learn what it takes to play in the NFL. Like Jay Lee, Adams could be available as an undrafted free agent.