Kenny Pickett excited by the idea of being the Steelers next QB

Kenny Pickett is very familiar with the city of Pittsburgh. Here’s why being the Steelers next franchise quarterback would be ‘a dream.’ 

Since early in his spectacular breakout campaign in 2021 for the Pitt Panthers, Kenny Pickett is a name that has been frequently linked to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Pickett didn’t do much to warrant a high draft status during his first four seasons, but with an extra year of eligibility in 2021, Pickett was arguably the most impressive quarterback in the nation this past year.

With Ben Roethlisberger’s recent retirement, transitioning to a player like Pickett — who has spent the past five years playing at Heinz Field on Saturdays — seems like a match made in heaven.

During the lengthy interview process at the Senior Bowl, Pickett was asked about his comfort level with the Steelers. Here’s what he had to say, according to Alan Saunders of Steelers Now:

"“[Coach Mike Tomlin] is a great guy. I’m obviously very familiar with Coach [Matt] Canada, as well. He recruited me to Pitt. So I have a great relationship with them."

Pickett shared some thoughts on Ben Roethlisberger’s legendary Hall of Fame and his connection with coach Mark Whipple (who Pickett also worked with at Pitt) before sharing his thoughts on what it would mean to be drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers.

"“The possibility of getting drafted there would be unbelievable. Pittsburgh is really my second home, so that would kind of be a dream. It started when I got recruited to Pitt and maybe at the next level. We’ll see what happens.”"

Pickett clearly seemed excited about the idea of being selected by the Steelers in April, and with his familiarity with the coaching staff, the city, and playing in the weather conditions at Heinz Field, it’s not hard to come to a conclusion as to why this pairing makes sense. But is it plausible?

Steelers could be forced to trade up if they want Pickett

This isn’t a terrific quarterback class by any stretch of the imagination, and Kenny Pickett isn’t a perfect prospect. Pickett will be a 24-year-old rookie who had one good college season in five years and he doesn’t possess elite arm talent or physical tools. (Here’s my full scouting report).

In addition, there are concerns about his remarkably small hand size. While Pickett elected not to get them measured at the Senior Bowl, reports are that his hands are well under the 9” threshold at just 8 1/4”.

Regardless of the concerns, Pickett could still be the top quarterback selected in the 2022 NFL Draft — especially with a strong Senior Bowl showing. He was the most productive QB among the top five prospects entering the draft this year, and he was impressed by winning the ACC Championship.

Because of this, the odds of the Steelers being able to stand pat and select him with the 20th overall pick seem slim, and Pittsburgh would likely have to move up in the draft in order for this to be a possibility.

With an array of needs and a shortage of draft capital this year, making a crucial decision like this might not be in the cards this year — especially if the Steelers have high opinions of other quarterbacks like Sam Howell, Matt Corral, Malik Willis, or Desmond Ridder.

I know faithful Pittsburgh fans would love nothing more than to see Kenny Pickett suit up in black in gold for the same city he has played in over the past five years, but unless he slips in the NFL Draft, selecting him might not be an option for the Steelers.