With the Steelers getting ready for training camp, here are three rookies that should be starting this year.
While it used to be that rookies had to take the back seat to established veterans and work their way up to starting lineup, that isn’t the case anymore. Rookies are getting onto the field earlier and more often, and the Steelers are no exception.
Just last season nearly the entire class was actively involved for the team. Here is a look at three rookies that can play right away for the Steelers
Steelers DL Leal
DeMarvin Leal is entering a really intriguing situation with the Steelers. The defensive line was an injured group last season, but when healthy and at full strength, this is one of the deepest positions on the roster. While the Stephon Tuitt situation is still very much up in the air, even if he returns, Leal can have a role early on this defense.
What he would really benefit from is from simplifying his game early on and having him focus on what he does best: rush the passer. This means he shouldn’t see snaps in base defense (at least right now), but he can serve as an interior pass rusher during nickel and dime defense. He was a consistent sack artist in college and those skills should be able to translate sooner than later.
If Tuitt comes back, Leal’s playing time will likely be limited early on. If he doesn’t though, Leal should see some pass-rushing snaps early. Chris Wormley and Isaiahh Loudermilk can handle base defense as run stoppers, but Leal could shine as an interior pass rusher. He is limited as a rookie and will need to add weight and strength if he ever wants to be more than just a situational player, but he should be able to crack the defensive lineup early.
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.
Steelers WR Pickens
While far less pro-ready than Pickett is as a prospect, the rookie with the highest ceiling in this class has to be George Pickens. The rookie receiver from Georgia was dominating the SEC before he tore his ACL and missed most of last season. That is the only reason he was available in the second round. Though he will have a bit of a learning curve and will have to get used to playing again, Pickens needs to be on the field sooner than later.
There aren’t a lot of negative things that Pickens has on film. His routes aren’t always the sharpest and his ability after the catch isn’t dynamic, but for a rookie receiver, he certainly looks the part of a quality starter. The best way for him to learn is to get him on the field and play early. As well, that can help him establish an early connection with his quarterback for at least the next few seasons in Pickett.
He doesn’t have to start week one, as Miles Boykin can rotate with him as Pickens gets used to the pro game. That said, by week four I expect Pickens, Chase Claypool, and Diontae Johnson to be the top three receivers for the team consistently each week. Pickens is that good, and he should see the field sooner than later because of it.
The Steelers won’t see the same impact in this rookie class as they saw in their group from 2021, but these three in particular are ready to play early. While traditionally starting isn’t in store for all three, seeing a significant amount of snaps early should be in store for all three. Each has the potential to make a significant impact this season for the Steelers.