Which rookie Steelers jerseys should you purchase before the season?
By Tommy Jaggi
The Pittsburgh Steelers have some intriguing draftees, but which rookie jerseys are worth purchasing before we see the product on the field?
I still remember the first Steelers jersey I asked my parents for. The year was 2003 and the Steelers had just traded up for USC safety Troy Polamalu in the NFL Draft. I have to say, I kind of lucked into this one.
Almost two decades later and after years of covering the team, I feel like I generally have a pretty good idea of which Steelers jerseys are good investments and which purchases will be followed by buyer’s remorse in the months that ensue.
Pittsburgh had a very exciting draft in 2022, and fans are anxious to show their support with a rookie jersey of their own. But which jerseys are worth purchasing before we see these players in action? Let’s break down the top four rookie jerseys to go after and the risks they come with:
1. Kenny Pickett jersey is the safest option
Purchasing a Kenny Pickett isn’t only going to be the most popular option among Steelers fans, but it could also prove to be the safest. As is the deal with any first-round draft choice, they are going to be given more opportunities to prove themselves.
More often than not, your chances of sticking around are tied to your draft status, and as the 20th overall selection, Pickett isn’t going to be replaced anytime soon. It also helps that he plays the quarterback position. Regardless of who the new GM will be, Pickett is going to get years to display his skills and prove that he can become the franchise option for this team.
Pickett was generally viewed as a high-floor draft prospect. Though I can’t guarantee that his jersey will one day become legendary (like Ben Roethlisberger’s did) or that he will even be an average starting NFL QB. However, the Steelers have a good track record with first-round quarterbacks and I think you will get your money’s worth out of purchasing a Kenny Pickett jersey.