Steelers' Kenny Pickett Ranked 5th Best Quarterback Under 25

Quarterback of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Kenny Pickett, is no stranger to having doubters. The 2022 quarterback draft class was described as weak and most teams in need of a quarterback didn't bother drafting one. Despite Pickett headlining the class after a standout career at University of Pittsburgh, he fell to pick #20 and the Steelers took advantage of the opportunity. The rookie quarterback was up against two veteran quarterbacks in Mitchell Trubisky and Mason Rudolph, but his confidence never once faltered. 

Trubisky, the 2017 second overall pick, was coming off of a year with the Buffalo Bills where he was able to learn behind Josh Allen. In hopes of a fresh start and opportunity for a starting role, Trubisky signed with the Steelers on the first day of 2022 free agency. His poise and leadership was enough to earn him the starting job heading into the 2022 season. Pickett sat at second on the depth chart and Rudolph fell to third following 2022 training camp at Latrobe. 

After an exhilarating Week 1 overtime victory against the Cincinnati Bengals, the season quickly began to fall apart. The Steelers fell to 1-2 leading up to a home contest against the New York Jets. After an uninspiring first half, Pickett finally got his shot. Although it resulted in a loss, Pickett provided a much needed spark that the Steelers desperately needed. It was enough for the rookie quarterback to be named the new starter for the black and gold. 

After a discouraging stretch against the Bills, Miami Dolphins and Philadelphia Eagles, the bye week rolled around at the perfect time. The Steelers were able to turn 2-6 into 9-8 following the bye and Pickett built a reputation for himself after coming up clutch with multiple fourth quarter comebacks. Still, Pickett has his doubters. 

Steelers' Pickett Given Conflicting Reviews

In early May, Cody Benjamin of CBS Sports ranked all 32 starting quarterbacks. Pickett was put at number 28, falling behind three quarterbacks who have yet to play an NFL game. Jamie Erdahl of Good Morning Football, however, sees the talent in Pickett. Tuesday, she ranked her top five quarterbacks under 25 and put Pickett at #5.

Erdahl went on to justify her rankings.

"Kenny Pickett had a heck of a second half of his season once he took over the starting spot. He only suffered one loss in his final six games in 2022. That loss was to the Ravens and he actually got knocked out of that game, so that didn't even come at the hands of Kenny Pickett. What we hear about him a lot is how he takes command of the leadership role on this team and also the guy can just ball." 

She ranked Jalen Hurts, Trevor Lawrence, Brock Purdy and Justin Fields before Pickett. Of the four, only Purdy is coming off of his rookie year as well. Hurts is a justified #1 after throwing for 3,701 yards, 22 touchdowns and just six interceptions in 2022. Lawrence, Fields and Purdy, however, another year would be nice before jumping to conclusions. What are your thoughts, Steeler Nation? Do you think Pickett is a justified #5 or would you like to see him ranked higher? Let us know in the comments below.

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