3 Steelers rookies who will be ready to start by Week 1

Steelers QB Pickett

As many know if you have followed my writing, I am not overly enthused by the Steelers selecting Kenny Pickett in the first round. That said, now that he is here, he needs to get on the field sooner than later. While quarterbacks typically benefit from some time on the bench, given his age and experience in college, Pickett should be starting as soon as the team can get him on the field.

Pickett was regarded as the most pro-ready quarterback in the class and the only realistic player that could start in his rookie season. Though there is some more development for him to make (mainly his time to throw and pocket presence), those skills can be developed on the job. He can progress through reads and deliver sharp throws. There is little reason to keep him on the bench and waste some of his career as the backup.

I’m writing all of this despite being in favor of Mitchell Trubisky being seen as the starter before the draft began. I expected the team to get more of a developmental option and I was fine with Trubisky manning the offense until he was ready.

That isn’t the case anymore, and it should be Pickett’s show unless he looks absolutely horrible in camp (that would be a whole different problem). Get Pickett out there early, as that was one of the best arguments the team could have made when they drafted him.