Big Ben's praise of Carson Wentz includes a slight jab at the Browns

If you remember, Big Ben was once passed over by Cleveland, too

Look at Ben Roethlisberger's hometown of Lima, Ohio, on a map and it's not hard to fathom why the Steelers quarterback might still hold a grudge toward the Browns for passing him over in the 2004 NFL Draft. Lima isn't a stone's throw from Cleveland, but it's less than a three-hour drive.

In 2004, the Browns -- with Eli Manning and Philip Rivers off the board -- decided to draft Kellen Winslow II with the No. 6 overall pick in the draft, instead of grabbing Big Ben. He probably doesn't mind reminding them of it, and he certainly reminded them of their decision this year when asked about facing Carson Wentz this week when the Steelers play the Eagles.

Ben Roethlisberger on Carson Wentz: "I was really surprised. I thought I was going to be facing him two times vs. Cleveland."

— Jeff McLane (@Jeff_McLane) September 21, 2016

Wentz is big, strong, willing to be physical and appears to have just about every club in the bag when it comes to making throws. He's basically the exact sort of quarterback you want in the AFC North, because of his physicality.

"Yes. I thought he was AFC North all the way," Roethlisberger said via the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Worth noting: the two share the same agency, but that doesn't indicate so much a bias as it is a knowledge. Roethlisberger got to meet Wentz before the draft so he has advance scouting.

Wentz could've gone No. 2 to the Browns, but front-office execs weren't sold on him as a "fit" in Cleveland, nor did they believe he would ever be a top-20 quarterback.

Right now that's looking like a big fat whoops.

Wentz has looked in control -- albeit against the Browns and Bears so far -- and capable of managing an NFL offense. He has three touchdown passes and should have four were it not for a Jordan Matthews drop on Monday night. He has yet to be intercepted.

"I think he's doing a really good job of that right now, letting the game come to him, not forcing it, " Roethlisberger said. "You see him throwing balls away, not trying to make too many crazy throws down the field and using his legs when needed.

"He's a really smart guy, smart player, physically gifted. All that kind of helps, and his preparation's pretty good."

It's obviously early and Wentz could have his first trouble with the Steelers defense this week. He hasn't seen anyone who should really mess with him yet.

But if he continues on this pace? Or anything close to it? Just another notch in the belt for the Browns on missed opportunities for a franchise quarterback in the draft.