Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback, Kenny Pickett has earned rave reviews from people around the league. Some have even gone as far as comparing him to Cincinnati Bengals star, Joe Burrow. Their journeys to excellence are somewhat similar as well. Each of them were average college quarterbacks up until their final year where they broke out in a big way. As a result, they both were able to establish themselves as first-round picks in the NFL Draft.
According to many, the two share a similar trait as well: their moxie on and off the field. That includes how they approach things, as the rookie Pickett has already began handling things like a seasoned veteran. That'll only help his case when the Steelers determine who the Week 1 starter will be in two weeks between him and Mitch Trubisky.
Credit: "Kurt Warner x QBConfidential" on YouTube
Former NFL quarterback, Kurt Warner, dives into film on quarterback play around the league on his YouTube channel titled "Kurt Warner x QBConfidential." Recently, he examined Pickett and his first two career (preseason) games against the Seattle Seahawks and Jacksonville Jaguars. One thing that stood out to Warner was Pickett's exceptional awareness, which should only help the prospects of his career in the league. As a result, the legendary quarterback thinks he's really making an argument for starting Week 1 in Cincinnati.
"He's making an argument that they made the right pick and that he could start from Day 1 in Pittsburgh," Warner said via YouTube. "Great job by Kenny Pickett of understanding what he's seeing. Put that back foot in the ground, and drive that throw."
Along with his awareness, Warner was impressed by Pickett's definitive decision-making when making his throws. In other words, he hasn't been indecisive when going to make a throw. Pickett's made his decision and stuck with it, and that's been shown in the way he's thrown the ball.
Warner, who knows a thing or two about quarterbacking in the NFL, praised the rookie throughout his film review. He did offer some insight into some things that Pickett needs to be improve at, or just simply prove that he can do.
"Doing some really, really good things for a rookie. As I said, want to see him progress when that No. 1 guy is taken away."
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett (8) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Seattle Seahawks, Saturday, Aug.13, 2022 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham/Pittsburgh Steelers)
Warner also mentioned he'd like to continue to see more of Pickett standing strong in the pocket. While he did credit the rookie's underrated athleticism and ability to evade the pocket, he simply wants him in the pocket more. For his longevity, that likely would be beneficial for Pickett. That's something young quarterbacks learn with time though, as the mobile ones work to find the balance on when to leave the pocket.
Not only did Pickett become an elite passer in his fifth and final year in college, but he also had his best season running the ball. In 13 games, he had 241 rushing yards and five touchdowns on the ground. Between he and Trubisky, no matter who starts at QB, the Steelers will have much more mobility from their signal-caller in 2022.
How optimistic are you for Pickett this season? When will he begin to start for the black and gold? What about your expectations for Trubisky? Let us know all of your thoughts in the comment section below!
#SteelerNation
