Four Pittsburgh Steelers players have won the AP Offensive Rookie of the Year Award in their storied history. The Steelers were founded in 1933 and are one of the NFL’s original franchises. The Steelers players who won the Rookie of the Year Award were Jimmy Orr in 1958, Franco Harris in 1972, Louis Lipps in 1984 and Ben Roethlisberger in 2004. Pittsburgh more than any other team has been identified as a bruising defensive team in the post-merger NFL. It has been over 50 years since the AFL and NFL combined forces and despite Roethlisberger’s best efforts to change the NFL’s perception, the Steelers are still known primarily for defense first.
However, the Steelers used five of their seven 2022 NFL Draft picks on offense. They selected Kenny Pickett in the first round, George Pickens in the second round, Calvin Austin III in the fourth round and Connor Heyward in the sixth round. They also signed two undrafted free agent running backs in Mataeo Durant and Jaylen Warren, and it is highly likely that one or both will get the opportunity to provide relief for Najee Harris. Based on the draft capital used in 2022, it might be instructive to look back at the Steelers history and the rookie franchise records to see if any of the current crop of newcomers has a chance to break a team record.
Passing Yards
Rookie Ben Roethlisberger, and Rookie Eli Manning / PHOTO BIGBEN7.COM
Steelers Rookie Record Holder: Ben Roethlisberger, 2,621 (2004)
The record will fall if: Pickett who is currently second on the depth chart behind Mitch Trubisky, with all due respect to the oddly loyal Mason Rudolph contingent, is the only signal caller who could replace Trubisky as the Steelers starter. Based on the 2022 NFL, if Pickett played a significant number of games, he would have an excellent chance at this mark.
Chance of record falling: Unlikely. Pickett was praised for his leadership during Organized Team Activities (OTA’s), but whispers about his consistency in drills, particularly accuracy came into question. Trubisky seems to be in firm control of the starting quarterback position.
Passing Touchdowns
Steelers Rookie Record Holder: Ben Roethlisberger, 17 (2004)
The record will fall if: Pickett gets an opportunity to play through injury or superior performance and starts in more than 10 games for the black and gold. Roethlisberger was sensational as a rookie, but Bill Cowher limited his pass attempts and rode “The Bus” Jerome Bettis near the goal line. Matt Canada’s offense for better or worse is much different.
Chance of record falling: Possible. Yes, it is a little contradictory, but if Pickett plays 10 games for whatever reason, he only needs to average 1.7 touchdowns per game to tie or break the record. I believe that Trubisky is the best option to start, but based on the amount of games he will play, if they make a switch, Pickett has a chance.
Receptions
Photo - JSKO_PHOTO (Twitter)
Steelers Rookie Record Holder: Najee Harris, 74 (2021)
The record will fall if: Pickens is that dude. He is 6 foot 3 and I think the favorite to be in the majority of 3 receiver sets. Calvin Austin III is intriguing, but I think he will have a bigger adjustment to the pro game. I am a fan of both these guys, but based on the Steelers history, is anyone else shocked that Harris has this record?
Chance of record falling: Possible. The Steelers passing game is loaded with options. Diontae Johnson, Chase Claypool, Pat Freiermuth, and Harris out of the backfield are all dangerous weapons. Pickens has a chance, but he must average 4.3 receptions per game. It’s a tall order.
Receiving Yards
PITTSBURGH, PA - DECEMBER 30: JuJu Smith-Schuster #19 of the Pittsburgh Steelers reacts after a 11 yard touchdown reception in the third quarter during the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Heinz Field on December 30, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
Steelers Rookie Record Holder: JuJu Smith-Schuster, 917 (2017)
The record will fall if: The Steelers establish a credible play-action passing game. They must do away with the constant bubble screens, 5-yard hitches and slants, in favor of 5-7 deep shots per game.
Chance of record falling: Probable. I am leaning towards Pickens over Austin, but both have a shot at this one. I believe strongly that the play-action passing game will be a huge weapon for the Steelers. Based on the depth at receiver, I do see either Pickens or Austin reaching 60 catches. If one reaches that number and averages 15 yards per catch, you have a new record.
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver, George Pickens(#14) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2022 Minicamp on Wednesday, June 8, 2022. (Abigail Dean/ Pittsburgh Steelers)
Rushing Yards
Steelers Rookie Record Holder: Najee Harris, 1,200 (2021)
The record will fall if: The Steelers decide to play in the NBA and become the most physical team in NBA history.
Chance of record falling: Out of the Question. Pittsburgh must be granted an NBA franchise in time to start play during the 2022 season and cut the roster to 15 players. The Rooney family could not get a roof on Heinz Field fast enough.
Rushing Touchdowns
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Steelers Rookie Record Holder: Franco Harris, 10 (1972)
The record will fall if: The Rooney’s greenlight the fastest stadium renovation in history, and they become an actual NBA franchise. The real question is do they dare to call the team the Pisces, and can Moses Guthrie still play?
Chance of record falling: Out of the Question. A little hyperbole never hurt anyone.
The Steelers are banking on an elite defense in 2022 and most of the NFL is looking at their paltry spending on offense as a sign that they will struggle in the fall. Mike Tomlin’s young offense does not have to be spectacular this season, but if they are league average or above, most of the talking heads in the national media will call it a wildly successful season. If the Steelers are still standing when the playoffs start, there is a good chance one of these records won’t be.
What do you think, Steeler Nation? Does a record fall and if so, who breaks it? Please comment below or on my Twitter @thebubbasq.
