When the Pittsburgh Steelers selected quarterback, Kenny Pickett with the 20th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, he was entering a situation with some pretty big shoes to fill. Following Ben Roethlisberger put an immense amount of pressure on the young athlete. As the season progressed, Pickett showed why he was chosen. Several fourth-quarter comebacks, learning to protect the football, and helping the team to a 9-8 record, when things looked like they would be much worse, proved his mettle. Going into the 2023 season, the Steelers have even more faith in their young quarterback.
ESPN Media
Steelers draft QB Kenny Pickett as he watches with family
Steelers Have No Doubts When It Comes To Pickett
Every team is going to show support for their quarterback going into a new season, so when the Steelers come out backing Pickett ahead of the 2023 season, it wasn't necessarily groundbreaking. However, things take a different direction when that support becomes an absolute guarantee. They might not be Joe Namath assuring a Super Bowl win, but according to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, the Steelers see no future where Pickett doesn't succeed.
“Pittsburgh told me this week; they said there’s no way that Kenny Pickett’s gonna fail…They said football matters too much to Kenny Pickett for it [him] to fail.”
From one of the first hits Pickett took in the pocket, fans saw the fire that he brings to the field and the energy it immediately brought the team. The franchise doubled down on their belief in the young passer during the 2023 offseason as they brought in talent to surround him. From the offensive line to a gigantic tight end (Darnell Washington), everything has been about giving Pickett the weapons he needs to become an elite NFL quarterback.
steelers.com
Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett and head coach Mike Tomlin
Steelers Surround Pickett To Ensure 2023 Success
Schultz noted the additions to the team, but it all comes down to the quarterback. Pittsburgh knows that all of their movements during the 2023 offseason will be for nothing if Pickett doesn't step up. As the team stated, that particular worry isn't weighing on their minds because when they look at Pickett, they see the future instead of the question marks from 2022. All the new talent is here to make sure that when Pickett and the offense step onto the field, opposing defenses recognize what they are up against and that all starts and ends with the quarterback.
“George Pickens, Diontae Johnson, Allen Robinson. They signed Seumalo, running game’s good, Harris will be healthy, but it comes down to the quarterback,” Schultz said.
Of those players brought in by draft or signing over the last two seasons, the one that stands out the most outside of Pickett is dynamic and fiery receiver, George Pickens. The Steelers aren't alone in wondering what kind of growth Pickens will make from his rookie season to his sophomore one, but all signs are pointing upwards. A limited amount of chances were given to the young receiver courtesy of Offensive Coordinator, Matt Canada and that meant, despite making the most of every opportunity, people still had questions.
Steelers.com
Pittsburgh Steelers Kenny Pickett and George Pickens celebrating after a touchdown
Is Pickens mature enough, considering his sideline "outburst" in 2022? Can he leapfrog Diontae Johnson to officially take the starting receiver spot in 2023? Will the ghost of Martavis Bryant haunt the young athlete, holding him back from the rookie highs he accomplished? According to Schultz, who spoke with extreme certainty despite his co-hosts pushing back, Pickens is poised for more than just a sophomore leap this season. If Schultz is correct, not only will Pickens succeed, he will establish himself among the elite receivers in the league.
“I think George Pickens, this year, is a Top-5 wide receiver, and I think he becomes in that upper category of Ceedee Lamb, DK Metcalf. He has that ability.”
Pickett and Pickens showed a brilliant connection in their rookie years, but everyone always holds their breath when a stand-out rookie begins their second season. The Steelers have no doubts whatsoever that their quarterback will be the future of the franchise, and he might have a wide receiver beside him who is also striving for the top of his game. It's impossible to get a complete look during training camp, but if even a percentage of the hype comes true, the 2023 Steelers will take the NFL by storm with Pickett and Pickens at the wheel.
Will Pickens take over the starting receiver spot in 2023?
#SteelerNation
