5 things Steelers fans need to know about new draft choice, Kenny Pickett

PITTSBURGH, PA - OCTOBER 23: Kenny Pickett #8 of the Pittsburgh Panthers celebrates after a 27-17 win over the Clemson Tigers at Heinz Field on October 23, 2021 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - OCTOBER 23: Kenny Pickett #8 of the Pittsburgh Panthers celebrates after a 27-17 win over the Clemson Tigers at Heinz Field on October 23, 2021 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images) /
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Pittsburgh quarterback Kenny Pickett (QB11). Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

The Pittsburgh Steelers had every  quarterback available when it came time to make a selection

While I am somewhat surprised that the Steelers went with Pickett over Liberty prospect Malik Willis, I am not sure that anyone really should be. There were multiple teams reportedly showing interest in Pickett that were slotted ahead of Pittsburgh in this draft.

The bigger surprise seems to be that Pickett actually fell to the Steelers. With Pickett having strong ties to the city, seeming to be a perfect fit in Matt Canada’s system, and coming into the NFL with a ton of college experience it appears to be a match made in heaven. So here are 5 things fans need to know about Kenny Pickett.

He comes from a family of athletes and showed athletic ability early

Kenny Pickett comes from a family of great athletes. His father Ken Pickett was an All-American linebacker at Shippensburg University here in Pennsylvania. His mother Kasey Pickett played soccer at Division II Kutztown University.

Kenny’s sister Alex Pickett had a successful collegiate career playing soccer at East Stroudsburg University. She now coaches at Seton Hill which is maybe a 20-minute drive from St. Vincent, where the Steelers hold their training camp.

Not only does Pickett come from a family of successful college athletes Pickett played multiple sports in High School. He was a 3-sport athlete between football, baseball, and basketball. We’ll go more into the story of why Pickett dropped his other sports later.

Pickett came from a family that knows what it takes to be a successful athlete and strong athletic bloodlines have always been a major selling point to the Steelers.