The Pittsburgh Steelers have found Ben Roethlisberger’s heir apparent at the quarterback position in the 2022 NFL Draft. Or at least, that is what they are hoping for after selecting Pitt’s QB Kenny Pickett with the 20th overall selection.
Pickett was the first QB off the board in this year’s draft and the only one taken in the first round. The 2022 class is considered relatively weak at the signal-caller position, but many predicted that some QB-needy teams would reach for one early on Day 1 of the draft. However, that didn’t happen, allowing the Steelers to sit back and still get the guy they wanted.
Pickett had a great 2021 season, becoming an All-American and finishing as a finalist for the Heisman Trophy. He threw for 4,319 yards and 42 touchdowns last year while completing 67.2 percent of his passes.
While not considered the QB with the most upside in the 2022 Draft, many believe Pickett was the safest pick and the player who is most NFL-ready. Scouts mention fast release, accuracy, and ability to scramble for first downs among his strengths. The downside is that he doesn’t exactly have big-play potential and is limited as a runner.
In Pittsburgh, Pickett is expected to compete for the starting job right away. He joins a Steelers’ QB room that also has four-year veteran Mason Rudolph and former second overall pick Mitch Trubisky.
