It feels like just about every year at this point, we're getting a top 40 quarterback list from NBC Sports NFL analyst and former NFL quarterback, Chris Simms. This week, Simms decided to kick his list off (starting with No. 40), in which he had Seattle Seahawks’ quarterback Drew Lock. After him? Pittsburgh Steelers’ rookie quarterback, Kenny Pickett.
Simms said initially he had Pickett at No. 40, but then ultimately ended up putting him second to last instead of dead last. He prefaced this by talking about his issues with Lock, namely his interceptions. He then went on to talk about Pickett, and had this to say:
"...Kenny Pickett of course has no NFL film, but I just got done watching him for a long period of time during the draft process. Has a lot of the things that we’re talking about with Drew Lock that I don’t trust. Kenny Pickett, I don’t have those same feelings. I know people are going to say, 'Oh, he’s in college, how can you say that?' Drew Lock had all these same concerns coming out of Missouri. He’s got it in his DNA…Kenny Pickett’s top end talent, it’s real good, is it as good as Drew Lock’s? No. It’s not a strong arm, he’s not as big of a human being as he [Lock] is. He is as good an athlete. Pickett’s a good athlete, and Pickett as far as the mental aspect, is as impressive as it gets coming out of college the last two years. Mac Jones and Joe Burrow are the only two guys I can remember in recent history where I saw in the pocket, making decisions, going through reads, putting the ball in the right spot. It’s as good as anybody we’ve seen come out there…it’s the high end talent I question, but he’s still a starting quarterback…as far as being ready to play in the NFL, I have no doubt this guy is going to be ready.”
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett (#8) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during rookie minicamp, Friday, May 13, 2022 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
So, a lot to unpack here. The comparisons to Lock and his weak points could be valid, but it feels too early to tell. Simms is right, they don’t have the same arm, but Pickett’s ability to dissect situations and diagnose the defense feels more NFL ready than Lock did coming into the league.
All the hype about Pickett coming into the draft was his ability to be able to be plugged in as a starter on just about any team that needed a quarterback, and be able to run their offensive effectively. Lock did not have this same type of prediction and projection as Pickett did. He was pegged as a project guy.
Simm’s praise of his mental aspect being as good as guys he’s seen in recent memory, naming Mac Jones and Joe Burrow as comparisons, is extremely encouraging, and supports the statement above separating Pickett from Lock yet again. Simms went on to praise his ability to move in the pocket again, but doubled down that Pickett’s arm talent is middle of the road. He said the familiarity with the Steelers is only going to help Pickett, however, and that he feels due to University of Pittsburgh running a pro-style offense, it is even more of a boost of confidence in Pickett being able to adjust immediately.
Pickett can be Day 1 starter for Steelers
Simms said he feels that although Pickett is ready, he will face a real competition with free agent signee Mitch Trubisky, who he feels has serious physical tools and the chance to be good as well. Time and training camp will be the tell all of this situation. Simms said he feels that the Steelers, unlike many teams, will not feel any pressure to start Pickett right away if they feel it isn’t the best option at that moment, where many teams would feel pressured to put him out there immediately due to his high draft stock. Again, time and training camp will give us the answer.
It is worth noting that Pickett is also the only rookie in this top 40 ranking. Regardless of this, I feel this is a little low. I believe Pickett is at least a top 35 candidate, and is definitely a better option than the next two quarterbacks Simms had after him; Teddy Bridgewater and Gardner Minshew respectively. As Simms credited, he comes from a pro-style offense, and is in a situation where he is very comfortable being able to stay in Pittsburgh. He is the most pro-ready of all the rookie quarterback class, and has all the mental and physical tools to exceed expectations and raise his ceiling higher than many are projecting.
It’s all up to Pickett to prove Simms, myself, or anybody else right or wrong. It’s all in front of him, and he is right where he wants to be in the Steel City. If he can put it all together, my guess is his ranking on Simms' list will look very different next season.
Watch Simms' clip and full take on Pickett here.
Do yinz agree with Simms? Should Pickett be higher or lower? Click to comment below!
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