The Pittsburgh Steelers spent their first round pick on quarterback, Kenny Pickett. It was the first time the Steelers spent a first rounder on the position since the 2004 NFL Draft when they selected none other than future first-ballot Hall of Famer, QB Ben Roethlisberger. So, I would say that the expectations are extremely high for Pickett, but I would like to preach patience to all of Steeler Nation.
PITTSBURGH, PA - MAY 24: Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett (8) takes part in a drill during the team's OTA practice, Tuesday, May 24, 2022, in Pittsburgh, PA. (Photo by Brandon Sloter/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Let this thing play out! Don't call Pickett a "bust," just because he's not starting Week 1. That's not the plan, I don't think that is ever the plan for an NFL franchise transitioning from a franchise QB to trying to find the next guy. The Steelers signed Mitch Trubisky for that very reason, they didn't want to rush whoever they drafted into playing right away. It's not always a recipe for disaster, but rookie QB's need time to develop and transition to the NFL game.
ESPN recently did a piece that detailed their thoughts on when several rookie QB's will make their starts in 2022. The author, Brooke Pryor, gives percentage odds to the chances that each rookie QB starts Week 1, sits all season, and the best prediction for first NFL start. Here's what the article had to say about Pickett:
"Chance of winning the starting job in Week 1: 2%. Throughout OTAs and minicamp, Pickett consistently took third-string reps behind Trubisky and Rudolph. To supplant Trubisky as the starter by Week 1, Pickett would have to be the second coming of Johnny Unitas as soon as he hits training camp. That's not happening. And that's OK -- the Steelers don't need to rush Pickett's development.Trubisky has looked comfortable and confident throughout off-season workouts, and his early rapport with the locker room signals that he'll be a leader on this team. Add in the fact that the Steelers open on the road against the AFC champion [Cincinnati] Bengals, and it's even more likely Trubisky begins as the starter."
Pryor gives Pickett a very low chance to start Week 1 and frankly, that's how I'm feeling currently as well. I know it was only OTAs and minicamp, but this seems to be Trubisky's team right now, barring anything drastic.
Pittsburgh Steelers Quarterback, Mitch Trubisky (#10) participates in Organized Team Activities (OTAs) Wednesday June 1, 2022 at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. (Abigail Dean/Pittsburgh Steelers)
"Chance of sitting all season: 40%. The Steelers must believe Pickett is the future of the organization; otherwise, they wouldn't have selected him in the first round. But that doesn't necessarily mean he's the immediate future. If the Steelers navigate the season-opening gauntlet that includes games in Cincinnati and Cleveland, along with home games against Tampa Bay and New England, and Trubisky isn't losing them games, they should stick with him.If the Steelers can field a strong defense and improved offensive line to aid running back Najee Harris, they just need a steady quarterback who doesn't make big mistakes. Assuming Trubisky has truly matured and learned a lot in Buffalo behind Josh Allen, he'll be that guy."
Pryor then goes on to give the best prediction for Pickett's first start in 2022:
"Week 18 vs. Cleveland Browns. Truthfully, I have two weeks circled as possible 2022 NFL debuts for Pickett. The first is Week 10 vs. the Saints after the bye. If Trubisky isn't performing, the bye gives the Steelers a natural break to make a starting quarterback change. But if Trubisky is playing well, there's no point in making a change at that juncture."
If it's not broke, don't fix it. If Trubisky is indeed keeping the Steelers in games and winning games, keep him in at QB1. It's pretty simple. Pryor goes on to say that Pickett's first start most likely will come in Week 18, citing if the game becomes a "formality game," with nothing to play for, the Steelers will give Pickett a chance to play in an AFC North matchup against the Browns.
What do yinz think about ESPN's Brooke Pryor and her thoughts about when Kenny Pickett could start in 2022? Sound off in the comment section below, or on Facebook, Twitter, and/or Instagram!
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