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Pittsburgh Steelers: Is drafting Lamar Jackson a serious possibility?

By Derek Snyder

RALEIGH, NC - OCTOBER 05: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Louisville Cardinals warms up during the game against the North Carolina State Wolfpack at Carter Finley Stadium on October 5, 2017 in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
RALEIGH, NC - OCTOBER 05: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Louisville Cardinals warms up during the game against the North Carolina State Wolfpack at Carter Finley Stadium on October 5, 2017 in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /
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Mel Kiper Jr. made some noise by suggesting the Pittsburgh Steelers should draft Lamar Jackson in April, but is that a serious possibility for the black and gold?

There’s been serious discussion this offseason surrounding the Pittsburgh Steelers and potentially finding a long-term replacement for Ben Roethlisberger; however, no one has made more noise than ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. suggesting the black and gold take former Heisman Trophy winner, Lamar Jackson, in the 2018 NFL Draft.

While taking a player like Jackson is something all Steelers fans can get excited about, I’m not sure it’s realistic the Steelers will take the quarterback out of Louisville in April. Nevertheless, Kiper believes it’s most-definitely possible.

Take a look at Kiper’s quote in Jeremy Fowler’s article from ESPN below:

"“This is also a spot where I could see a team trading up to grab Louisville quarterback and 2016 Heisman Trophy winner Lamar Jackson, who I think will be the fifth QB off the board.”Kiper pegs Jackson to the late first round more than to a particular team, but the comment creates two fascinating scenarios for a contending team:Trade Jackson at 28 or actually select him. Neither might happen, but both are worth exploring."

If we’re being honest, no matter how great of a football player I believe Jackson to be, I don’t think he makes sense for the Steelers in the 1st Round. Not only are there greater needs in the early-rounds of the 2018 NFL Draft for Pittsburgh, the former Cardinals superstar is a player who may need some time to adjust to the NFL game.

There’s no doubt in my mind Jackson can become a great player in this league, but he needs to be in a system where early struggles are okay. For an organization who expects nothing less than success, using a 1st Round pick on a player who isn’t ready to contribute year-one isn’t ideal.

Next: Steelers: 3 Crucial questions to answer in 2018

That being said, is it a serious possibility the Steelers draft Lamar Jackson in April? It’s surely an interesting idea to throw around, but no, it’s not realistic whatsoever. This Pittsburgh roster is ready to compete for another Lombardi Trophy in 2018, and unfortunately for Lamar Jackson fans, he isn’t the answer for the black and gold.

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