Kenny Pickett makes Steelers QB transition easier in 2022

The Steelers found a way to bring in another quarterback to help keep their legacy in tack. Was Kenny Pickett the right QB to draft?

Who would have thought that Steelers would have to find someone other than Big Ben to manage the play clock? After eighteen seasons, Ben Roethlisberger hung up his cleats, presenting an opportunity for another gold star.

Watching Ben play his last game as a Steeler left fans with concerns about the season to come. For many Steelers fans, Roethlisberger’s lead was the only one they knew.

There’s no time to start over

Rebuilding was not an option for Mike Tomlin’s squad. Their decision to sign Mitchell Trubisky to a two-year deal led many to believe he would be the new face of the franchise. Seasons with the Chicago Bears and Buffalo Bills has helped the 5th year veteran adapt to the league’s playing speed.

Rumors of Pittsburgh’s quarterback draft excursions continued to spread as the draft drew near. Conversations of Liberty’s Malik Willis led analysts to believe Pittsburgh had planned on revamping their offense. Extending plays with his legs became Willis’ forte in college and the Steelers were searching for a change.

Theories of landing a hometown hero presented themselves as well. If the University of Pittsburgh’s Kenny Pickett fell to the 20th pick, the Steelers were open to making a move.

When Pickett received a call from his new head coach, he shared a special moment with his family. On the phone was Coach Tomlin, eager to be a part of his quarterback’s new journey. Playing at Heinz field is something Pittsburgh’s rookie became familiar with while attending college. His time at the University of Pittsburgh makes Pickett the perfect pick for Ben Roethlisberger’s protégé.

Finding the right groove 

Fans are expecting an extra serving of home cooking now that Pittsburgh acquired two new quarterbacks. Assuming Pickett will become an instant starter is not an outlandish thought. Selecting a quarterback in the first round is a “buy-in” move for franchises in the NFL. If a team believes you are a first-round talent, your odds of playing the following season will be high.

A quarterback battle between Trubisky and Pickett will keep fans on their toes until the season begins. Pittsburgh’s preseason games will have an increased number of viewers. The plan to mold the next leader in Pittsburgh will not require a rebuilding process.

Each quarterback that the Steelers acquired has shown signs of glimpses of greatness. If the Mike Tomlin’s uses their off-season wisely, Kenny Pickett is more prepared than many think.