Rocket scientist Joshua Dobbs brings a rocket arm and brain to the Steelers

By drafting Joshua Dobbs with the 135th pick, the Pittsburgh Steelers now have a quarterback who can make plays with his arm and legs. He’s also a rocket scientist, majoring in aerospace engineering at Tennessee.

The 22-year-old signal caller has the tools to be solid in the NFL, but he needs time to develop. Even though Dobbs probably won’t come in right away and make a huge impact, the Steelers should be excited about this selection because of the ability the team has to begin to groom him.

Last season, his first as a full-time starter, the former Volunteer threw for 2,946 yards and 27 touchdowns while running for 831 yards and 12 touchdowns. Pittsburgh drafted a true dual-threat quarterback who is unafraid to take chances down the field and use his legs to gain yards.

Dobbs is an athletic quarterback who can make plays in the pocket and run on the perimeter. He isn’t afraid to take chances with his legs or his arm.

He can let it fly!

Dobbs has a cannon. Arm strength won’t be an issue. The deep ball might even be a strength, as he completed an elite 47.7 percent of his passes covering 21-plus yards during his collegiate career, including 14 touchdowns.

That touch was on display last season against Appalachian State with a 67-yard hookup with Josh Malone with Tennessee trailing 13-6 early in the fourth quarter, and again in the Music City Bowl against Nebraska, when he connected with Malone for a 59-yard score in the fourth quarter.

Dobbs has an incredible arm, but he can do more than just throw.

Dobbs can run

Once out of the pocket, Dobbs can race past defenders as if he were a receiver or a running back. He’s one of the best all-around athletes in this draft class. Timed in the 40 at the combine at 4.64, Dobbs is athletic enough to run the zone read. Last season, in a 45-24 victory against Virginia Tech, he broke a tackle and hurdled a Hokie en route to a 27-yard touchdown. It was more of the same in a 49-36 triumph against Kentucky, when he outraced defenders for a 45-yard score.

Dobbs will make game-changing plays inside and outside the pocket. But while his athleticism sets him apart from other quarterbacks in the draft, he still has a few flaws.

Dobbs frequently struggles with his underneath accuracy and delivery. His throwing motion causes him to air mail passes, too. Plus, his footwork needs improvement.

But Dobbs’ biggest flaw is turnovers. He threw 29 interceptions and was sacked 65 times in four seasons. The former Vol isn’t afraid to take chances — as he did here last season against Appalachian State, an effort that led to a fumble recovered by Tennessee — but ball protection is paramount at the quarterback position.

If he can decrease the turnovers, work on his mechanics as a passer, and add some heft to his 6’3, 216-pound frame, he could be the biggest steal of the draft.

People have compared drafting Dobbs to the Dallas Cowboys selecting quarterback Dak Prescott in the fourth round in last year’s draft. Some believe Dobbs has the same skill set and presence to contribute immediately like Prescott did.

Dobb majored in aerospace engineering at Tennessee. When he appeared on Gruden QB Camp, Jon Gruden asked the young quarterback if he wanted to play quarterback or build rocket ships.

Dobbs said he loves his major, but he also loves football. He’s been playing the game since he was five and can’t imagine not playing it. After Dobbs graduates in May, he’ll be an actual rocket scientist. But when his football career ends, he plans on using his degree to build and design airplanes.

“Growing up, I was always fascinated with aviation, and I always succeeded in math and sciences, so aerospace engineering was right up my alley.”

In fact, over the past two offseasons, the 22-year-old completed two internships with Pratt & Whitney, a leading aerospace manufacturer.

“When I step on the field, put on my helmet, strap on my shoulder pads, each and every time I walk on the field, I understand the risks that come with playing football,” Dobbs said.

The young signal caller has all the tools to be a great quarterback in the NFL. Indeed, it’s going to be hard for opposing defenses to outsmart and catch him.

With Ben Roethlisberger entrenched as the starter and Landry Jones ready to fill in when Roethlisberger is inevitably injured during the season, it’s unlikely Dobbs will see the field any time soon. And that’s a good thing for his transition.

But Roethlisberger may be approaching the end of his career, and Jones hasn’t proved himself to be a starter of the future. There’s opportunity for Dobbs to show he could be the player for the future, making Pittsburgh a great landing spot for the brilliant quarterback.