2022-23 NFL Rookies to Watch: Offense Improves with Kenny Pickett in Pittsburgh

The Ben Roethlisberger era is over after 18 years in Pittsburgh, and the Steelers are now set to turn the quarterback reins over to Pittsburgh Panthers alum Kenny Pickett.

Pickett was the first quarterback selected in the 2022 NFL Draft at 20th overall, and he’s coming off a standout senior year with Pitt that went to the tune of 4,319 passing yards and 42 touchdowns.

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So, the immediate question is just how much of a downgrade will the quarterback switch be for the Pittsburgh offense?

Considering Roethlisberger threw for just 6.2 yards per passing attempt, which ranked 29th out of 33 qualified passers, there’s a compelling case that Pickett actually proves to be an upgrade at the position sooner than later. 

Potentially an immediate one.

The Steelers will shelter the rookie signal caller with a heavy dose of second-year running back Najee Harris in a rush-first offense, but the vertical threats are in place for Pickett to lean on his passing accuracy and keep opposing defenses honest.

No. 1 wide receiver Diontae Johnson is coming off a 107-reception, 1,161-receiving yard showing, and he’s complemented by matchup-nightmare Chase Claypool, and emerging tight end Pat Freiermuth. 

Remember, Claypool caught nine touchdowns as a rookie in 2020, and Freiermuth hauled in seven scores in his NFL debut last year.

The Steelers also bolstered their wide receiver corps with the second-round selection of George Pickens in the 2022 NFL Draft.

Of course, it was the Pittsburgh defense that did a lot of the heavy lifting en route to a playoff berth last season, so Pickett can withstand some peaks and valleys this year and still keep the Steelers competitive. 

Pittsburgh is +310 to make the playoffs at Caesars Sportsbook, and Pickett might only need to limit his mistakes in a game-manager role to give the Steelers a chance at punching that ticket to the postseason for the third consecutive year.

Even if the Steelers opt to ease Pickett into action and roll with Mitch Trubisky under center, the offense will still be better than it was with Roethlisberger in 2021.

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