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The Pittsburgh Steelers drafted Kenny Pickett with the 20th pick overall in the 2022 NFL draft. He was the only quarterback selected in the first round of the NFL draft and other than being called the most NFL-ready quarterback in a questionable draft class for signal callers, he did not earn raving reviews from draft experts. He was considered to be comparable to Mac Jones from the New England Patriots, a high-floor, low-ceiling player.
Photo Credit: Steelers.com
Pickett got off to a slow start when he made his regular-season debut. He brought the Steelers back in his first regular season game against the New York Jets, but the Steelers ultimately lost the game. He began his career 1-3 as a starting quarterback and after throwing eight interceptions, some commentators were whispering that he was a bust. Others like Ryan Clark thought Pittsburgh should be looking for a quarterback.
The Steelers' former signal-caller and future Hall of Famer Ben Roethlisberger was supportive and offered encouragement to Pickett on his weekly podcast. Footbahlin With Ben Roethlisberger at times seemed like de facto mentoring sessions from the veteran for the rookie’s growth. Roethlisberger put out his first podcast of 2023 and then dropped a bombshell about his opinion of how the rookie quarterback is finishing his first season.
“I’m a big man, I can say this. I wasn’t sure what to expect with Kenny,” Roethlisberger said. “I wasn’t sure what to think, I just didn’t know enough. Early on I thought he’d be good, I’m not jealous, there’s nothing to be jealous of, I think he’ll be a good player for them, I think he’s going to be what they are looking for.
"I severely underestimated Kenny. I think he throws the ball better than I thought. He runs way better than I thought, he’s faster or just more elusive but he runs the ball way better than I expected. His decision making is really good. His leadership, toughness, just enough of an edge. I apologize, that I did not make this vocal. Keep doing what you’re doing.”
Pittsburgh Steelers QB Kenny Pickett throws to RB Najee Harris at Baltimore Ravens on Sunday, January 1st, 2023 /Photo Credit: Abigail Dean/ Pittsburgh Steelers
Pickett has come on strong since the bye week but has grown into the player that Steelers hoped he would be over the last two games. He fashioned two fourth-quarter comebacks in the last minute against the Las Vegas Raiders and Baltimore Ravens with the Steelers' playoff hopes on the line. The rookie didn’t shy away from the big moment.
“He is all that and even more than what I thought he would be,” Roethlisberger gushed. “He led them down the field two weeks in a row, and in Baltimore, where they hadn’t given up a touchdown in like 15 quarters or something like that."
"Takes them down the field, keeps some plays alive, runs some, throws some. Then the last play, scrambling, throwing, the defender had his back to him, so he could put it anywhere he wants because he can’t see you. He probably could have ran it and done a safer thing but he’s playing with confidence right now, its oozing out of him and his team.”
Photo Credit: Footbahlin with Ben Roethlisberger Podcast
Roethlisberger was a master of fourth-quarter comebacks during his career. He trails only Tom Brady and Peyton Manning in the category and is only the third quarterback in NFL history with more than 40 come-from-behind wins. Roethlisberger patterned his style of play after another comeback king in John Elway, so his praise of Pickett’s poise is not hyperbole. It’s a great indication that Kenny Pickett has arrived as the next franchise quarterback in Pittsburgh.
What do you think Steeler Nation? Are you excited to hear Roethlisberger rave about Pickett? Please comment below or on my Twitter @thebubbasq.
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