Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback, Kenny Pickett made a name for himself in a short amount of time during the 2022 NFL season. Out of the University of Pittsburgh, the young signal-caller was drafted with the 20th overall pick by his next door neighbor throughout college, the Steelers.
Rebecca Blackwell AP
Pittsburgh Steelers QB Kenny Pickett (8) celebrates a touchdown against the Miami Dolphins with George Pickens (14).
Pickett joined the quarterback room with fellow newcomer Mitch Trubisky, and long-time backup Mason Rudolph. By the time the trio left Latrobe, Pickett had surpassed Rudolph on the depth chart and was taking second-team practice reps. "Pickett" chants could be heard echoing throughout Pittsburgh, as Steelers fans demanded the quarterback in the early weeks.
It wasn't until a rough start against the New York Jets in Week 4 and a rumored altercation between receiver Diontae Johnson and Trubisky before Yinzer's prayers were answered and Pickett was given his first regular season NFL action. Despite a rough game on paper with three interceptions, Pickett gave the Steelers the spark that they had been lacking and there was officially no turning back as he was named the starter moving forward.
The Future Is Bright In Pittsburgh
The 2022 season was nightmare fuel for Steel City until a much-needed Week 9 bye. At this point with a 2-6 record, the Steelers needed serious change to turn their season around. Though many expected that offensive coordinator Matt Canada's time was up, he was kept on board and it appeared that the season would continue along the same path. Surely enough, the Steelers were able to find their groove and make a serious comeback, led by none other than rookie quarterback, Kenny Pickett.
Now that the 2022 season is in the rearview mirror, preparation for the upcoming season is in full effect. Luckily, the Steelers have spent the past few drafts selecting flashy skill players in George Pickens, Najee Harris and Pat Freiermuth. With these three and Johnson, finding targets for Pickett doesn't need to be the number one priority. Todd McShay of ESPN and Pro Football Focus' Michael Renner think an early draft pick should be used to bolster the offensive line.
In particular, the Steelers may not need to search further than Pickens' alma mater, the University of Georgia. McShay elaborated on why offensive tackle Broderick Jones could be the guy for the Steelers:
"Pittsburgh brought in Isaac Seumalo this March to shore up the interior offensive line, but there are still questions at offensive tackle. And protection is key when you have a young QB running the offense. Jones allowed zero sacks over 15 starts last season, showcasing quick feet and explosive upper-body power for the National Champion Bulldogs, and he'd be a good value get at this point in the draft."
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Another option at offensive tackle for the black and gold could be Darnell Wright out of the University of Tennessee. If Jones is off the board at 17, Wright could serve as a versatile and experienced option for the offensive line. ESPN's Jordan Reid commented on the potential of Wright heading to Pittsburgh.
"Wright would give Pittsburgh a young dependable tackle option. He started 42 games in college, including 27 at right tackle. His top traits are his strength, physicality and sustain-and-strain ability. Wright's ascension since 2021 arguably has been the highest of any prospect in this class."
Andrew Ferguson/Tennessee Athletics
Tennessee Offensive Lineman Darnell Wight pass blocking.
Of course, it's speculated that the Steelers may make a play for Joey Porter Jr. with the 17th pick. This would be entirely on brand for the black and gold as his father, Joey Porter Sr., both played and coached for the Steelers. If Pickett truly is the future, the top priority should be protecting the young quarterback with a top-of-class offensive lineman.
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