2022 NFL Draft: Grading Steelers’ No. 20 pick of Kenny Pickett

The Pittsburgh Steelers selected Pittsburgh Panthers’ quarterback Kenny Pickett with the No. 20 overall pick and here’s our grade of the pick.

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been patiently waiting in this chaotic 2022 NFL Draft. A quarterback has been the biggest position to address, along with the offensive line, for the Steelers. There was concern that quarterbacks would be taken early, but they had their choice with the 20th overall pick.

With the 20th overall pick, the Steelers get their quarterback of the future in the Pittsburgh Panthers’ Kenny Pickett.

Grade of Steelers’ selection of Kenny Pickett: A

The hometown hero is staying in the city of Pittsburgh as he will have a chance to take over the historic franchise. Pickett has the arm strength, accuracy, and ability to extend for more yards on the ground. While he has been praised for the ability to lead a high-power offense in Pittsburgh and be consistent, he has been heavily criticized for his small hand size.

Pickett finished his college career at Pittsburgh throwing for 1045-of-1674 completions (a 62.4 percent completion rate) for 12,303 yards, 81 touchdowns, and 32 interceptions. This past season, Pickett had his best productive year by throwing for 334-of-497 completions for 4,319 yards, 42 touchdowns, seven interceptions, and a passer rating of 165.3. He finished as a Heisman Trophy finalist, winning the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, and being named a first-team All-American.

Pickett will enter the Steelers as one of the legitimate favorites as the starting quarterback for the Steelers in the 2022 NFL season. He will have to battle against newly signed Mitchell Trubisky for the starting spot, but the Steelers making this pick indicates he is the future.