The Pittsburgh Steelers 2022 draft is shaping up to be special. The franchise has had some of the most historical draft classes in NFL history. While this will not be the legendary 1974 class, the Steelers seem to have found multiple players who are going to be significant contributors to the team. The highlight of the draft class has to be Kenny Pickett snagged in the first round. The pick is looking more and more like the steal of the century as the preseason goes on.
Kenny Pickett / Credit: Yahoo.com
Nothing was handed to Pickett this offseason. Mike Tomlin has masterfully managed the quarterback competition thus far, and despite the protests of an ever-growing group of Steelers fans, has brought the newcomer along slowly. The former Pitt Panther has handled his rise beautifully. Recently, Pickett was asked about his growing opportunity to play with the first team.
“Whatever reps I do get, I’m excited to go out there and have the last preseason game and just king of build off the progress I have made throughout camp,” Pickett said. “I thought it was a really successful camp just growing and getting used to the offense, getting the hang of the NFL speed. I’m excited to go out there one more time.”
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. (Credit: Jared Wickerham/Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pickett started third on the Pittsburgh depth chart and until a magical debut against the Seattle Seahawks, it looked like he might stay there. The 2021 ACC player of the year engineered a dramatic comeback in front of an enthusiastic home crowd. Pickett intrigued the imagination of Steeler Nation and earned first-team reps in practice and an opportunity against a vastly improved Jacksonville Jaguars team this past Saturday night.
“I’m comfortable with the offense,” Pickett shared. “Playing fast, trusting my eyes and feet are tied together. I’m going through my reads and just getting the ball out of my hands fast. I’m happy with how I progressed that way throughout camp.”
Pickett took the field on Saturday night in the second quarter and the offensive line gathered tightly around him. They were patting him on the helmet and the team’s excitement was palpable. The first drive was not great, and the first-year signal caller made a mistake by taking a knee on an illegal motion play and losing a down when the Jaguars declined the penalty.
"The more you play in an offense, the comfortable you get," Pickett continued. "The more reps I’ve been getting, the more continuity with my teammates, I think it’s just seeing that kind of improvement.”
Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth catches a pass from Kenny Pickett / Credit: Matt Pendleton-USA TODAY Sports
The rookie signal caller's second, and final, series against the Jaguars was a perfect illustration of what he is relaying. Pickett ignored the leaking offensive line and found Diontae Johnson and Pat Freiermuth to move the Steelers into a scoring position. After a perfect flair pass to Benny Snell, the coaching staff had seen enough, and Pittsburgh took a 7-6 half-time lead. He established he could move the first team offense when called upon.
“The last month we have been grinding it out,” the 2021 All-American posited. “I just want to put my best foot forward, play as hard as I can, like I always do and let the chips fall where they may.”
Pickett is likely to get another opportunity with the starters on Sunday at 4:30 p.m. against the Detroit Lions. He has done everything possible to wrestle the starting job away from Mitch Trubisky with stellar play this preseason. Jeff Hathorn, from 93.7 The Fan, joined the biggest Kenny Pickett supporter of them all, Andrew Fillipponi. They talked on the PM Team with Poni and Mueller Wednesday afternoon and discussed whether the rookie had done enough.
“It’s two quarterbacks that feel like they’ve done what they needed to do,” Hathorn opines. “A decision is coming, which is probably going to lean towards Trubisky. But he has got to know that Kenny is on his heels. Things can always change; injuries are a factor. He knows where everybody needs to be and there is no doubt who has made the most improvement. It’s Kenny Pickett.”
The way that Tomlin and the Steelers have forced the rookie to improve and sharpen his game to gain more playing time is going to pay off for the black and gold. Whenever Pittsburgh turns to their young signal caller, the rest of the offense will know he is on the field because he earned it. It will not be because he was the first quarterback selected in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Credit: Matt Freed/Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
The discipline the organization has shown in handling a first-round quarterback this season is very reminiscent of how Bill Cowher handled the same situation two decades ago. That quarterback has a date with the Hall of Fame in five years. They say history does not repeat itself but it often rhymes. Let us hope that Kenny Pickett has more than a few verses to contribute to Steelers' history.
What do you think Steeler Nation? Are you patiently waiting for Tomlin to pull the trigger, or do you want to see the rookie against the Bengals? Comment below or on my Twitter @thebubbasq.
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