Final ranking of the top six quarterbacks for the Steelers

North Carolina Tar Heels running back Ty Chandler (19) with quarterback Sam Howell (7). Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
North Carolina Tar Heels running back Ty Chandler (19) with quarterback Sam Howell (7). Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Steelers
Kenny Pickett #8 of the Pittsburgh Panthers. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images) /

Steelers 5th best fit

Many will be surprised to see him this low on the list, but Kenny Pickett isn’t a great fit for what the Steelers should be focused on with their quarterback if they take one in the first. Sure, Pickett had an incredible final season at Pittsburgh, but that was after being marred in mediocrity before that. Even if he has turned the page, his fit as a pro isn’t a great one for this team.

Pickett is the definition of a low ceiling, high floor prospect. He has average mobility, an average arm, and decent accuracy. He won’t elevate the team he is around, but if you surround him with good talent, he will be able to win. As well, he is arguably the most pro-ready quarterback in this class, so a team needing a Mac Jones-type of quarterback play in 2022 should be all over Pickett.

The Steelers don’t need a rookie to step in right away though, making his fit with the team questionable at best. This team should be looking for guys that need some development as they will have the opportunity to sit behind Mitchell Trubisky for a season. Pickett may be the most pro-ready, but long-term he won’t be the reason a team is winning. He can game manage and run an offense efficiently, but the safer pick at quarterback fields mediocre results. The Steelers have the time to develop a prospect and thus should be going after players that can develop into more than what Pickett will likely be.