Steelers QB Kenny Pickett is a better ROTY candidate than Brock Purdy

Brock Purdy had a strong start with the 49ers in 2022, but here’s why Steelers QB Kenny Pickett is the better Rookie of the Year candidate. 

Winning is important in the NFL. Franchises begin their work in the off-season – relying on front offices to make decisions impacting the immediate future. Finding new additions to the roster in the draft is common. Talented rookies make an impact – elevating their franchise throughout a long career.

Multiple owners reaped the rewards of an impressive 2022 draft class. The New York Jets drafted Sauce Gardner – a standout cornerback from Ohio State University. Head Coach Robert Saleh knew his defense needed improvements, and he struck gold with the fourth overall pick.
He impressed fans – solidifying him as a Defensive Rookie of the Year candidate.

It did not take long for other franchises to exchange their first-round picks for solid investments. Ben Roethlisberger’s retirement left a hole in Matt Canada’s offense – forcing the Steelers’ front office to search for a quarterback. Their 20th pick kept Kenny Pickett in Pittsburgh. He eventually became the starting quarterback – carrying his teammates through a rough transition.

Kenny Pickett’s development led the Steelers to a productive season

It took a few weeks for the Pittsburgh Steelers rookie quarterback to get acclimated. He competed against Mitchell Trubisky for the starting job in the off-season – officially winning the role in early October. An unspectacular performance early on caused concerns for fans at home. Their rookie had his handful of growing pains but found his stride when it mattered most.

Experience in the huddle helped No. 8 develop his confidence throughout the season. His performances improved after each week – showing signs of a promising future. Pittsburgh finished the regular season with a three-game winning streak. They finished one seed shy of playoff contention – a surprise for analysts who doubted Pickett’s abilities.

When we evaluate Pickett’s rookie season, the statistics do not tell the whole story. The Steelers QB ranked 24th in passing yards (2,404) and 32nd in passing touchdowns (7). For most franchises, these results are unacceptable for a first-round franchise quarterback – but not in Pittsburgh. Pickett’s toughness and displays of perseverance equated to wins in crucial games against the Ravens, Raiders, and Colts. His determination to improve outweighs the growing pains – resulting in a positive grade for his first season.

Rookie Brock Purdy’s playoff berth is outshining Pickett’s leadership

Clinching a playoff berth as a rookie is impressive. It shows signs of leadership and skill that attract attention from front offices. Pittsburgh fell one game shy of obtaining a berth – surprising fans after a 1-4 start. Their rookie performed better than most colleagues in his draft class. His comparison was Brock Purdy – a seventh-round pick from the University of Iowa.

San Francisco’s rookie quarterback has a similar rookie experience. He served as the third-string quarterback at the beginning of the season – behind Lance and Garoppolo. Injuries riddled the 49ers, presenting Purdy with a chance to audition for a new job. He executed the offense well, assisting Kyle Shanahan in clinching the NFC West.

Advancing to the post-season convinced fans that San Francisco’s rookie quarterback deserves the Associated Press Rookie of the Year Honors. This award belongs to the best rookie who performed well throughout the regular season performance. Purdy’s efforts were enough for the 49ers to advance to the post-season, but should not outshine Kenny Pickett’s valiant effort. Pittsburgh’s rookie played four more games and threw for more yards. His impact on the field is essential to the success – compared to Purdy filling the position until the end of the season.

Brock Purdy will not become San Francisco’s starting quarterback next season. He played an important role this year, but the 49ers already have their franchise gunslinger in Trey Lance. Deebo Samuels, George Kittle, and Christian McCaffery helped the rookie transition to a starting role. He kept the boat afloat – an easier task than becoming the franchise quarterback.

Pickett proved to fans that he was worth the first-round pick in 2022. His development saved Mike Tomlin’s winning season record and should get recognition as the best rookie performance.