Who Should I Start? Mason Rudolph or Bo Nix

Wednesday, May 28, 11:59 AM

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph opened OTAs with the first-team offense on Tuesday, according to Brooke Pryor of ESPN. This news isn't much of a surprise, but it does confirm head coach Mike Tomlin's vision as full-team practices get underway this summer. Presumably, the starting quarterback job is Rudolph's to lose, barring an external quarterback addition such as Aaron Rodgers or Kirk Cousins. Rudolph's internal competition comes from Skylar Thompson and rookie Will Howard. Thompson has completed just 58.7 percent of his career passes with one touchdown, three interceptions, and two fumbles. He primarily served as a backup over three seasons in Miami. Meanwhile, Howard is a rookie who impressed at Ohio State, but he has suboptimal draft capital as a sixth-round pick. On the other hand, Rudolph has shown flashes of potential during his time with the Steelers (2018-2023) and Titans (2024). In Tennessee last year, he completed 64 percent of his passes for 1,530 yards, nine touchdowns, and nine interceptions.

Tuesday, May 27, 3:27 PM

Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix enjoyed a fantastic rookie campaign, completing over 66% of his passes for 3,775 yards, 29 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. He added 430 yards and three scores as a runner. Heading into his sophomore campaign, the Auburn and Oregon product will have familiarity and stability he is not accustomed to. For the first time since high school, Nix will begin a season with the same head coach and play-caller in place in back-to-back seasons. He will also have the same quarterbacks coach, Davis Webb, and Nick Kosmider of The Athletic projects his starting offensive line to be the same as last year's group. Nix finished last year's season as the overall QB7, and new weapons, RJ Harvey, Evan Engram, and Pat Bryant, should provide upgrades over last year's supporting cast. Nix is being valued around the QB8 spot in early fantasy football drafts, but he could have top-five upside at the position thanks to his rushing floor and ceiling.