NFL

Steelers Select Kenny Pickett In The 2022 NFL Draft

Posted on by Oldschoolthings

On Thursday night, the Steelers picked Pitt quarterback Kenny Pickett with the No. 20 overall choice in the NFL draft, making him Roethlisberger’s heir apparent and the only quarterback selected in the first round.

Mike Tomlin, Pittsburgh Steelers head coach, noted, “We circled the globe — or at least the United States — here the last several months, just travelling and researching.”

Pickett was watching the draft from a party in New Jersey with his parents and relatives, and he knew exactly where he was going as soon as the 412 area code appeared.

Pickett laughed and replied, “I’m rather familiar with the area code.” “I knew who it was quite quickly. I couldn’t say much. To get to this point, I’ve worked hard for 23 years on a lifelong (dream). All of this happened over the phone. It was one of the most wonderful experiences I’d ever had. I’m looking forward to getting started and working with the people who have been my neighbours in Pittsburgh my whole career.”

The Steelers select a guy with a lot of success in college and who is ready to come in for the future as soon as next season with their first-round choice in the third round. Pickett accumulated more yards than any other tight end in Atlantic Coast Conference history, and with 42 touchdowns in 1997, he guided his team to an ACC title. Since drafting future Hall of Fame quarterback Dan Marino with the 27th overall choice in 1983, the Pittsburgh Steelers have never made the mistake of passing on a future All-Pro, much alone a future Hall of Famer.

Pickett, according to the Steelers, is a mature athlete with a high floor and the sort of movement and accuracy required to thrive in the NFL — particularly in offensive coordinator Matt Canada’s scheme. Pickett was recruited to Pittsburgh by Canada, but he never had the opportunity to coach him as a Panther.

Kenny Pickett react to being the Pittsburgh Steelers No. 1 draft pick

Pickett remarked “I think I’m quite excellent at getting out of the pocket and creating plays, and he does it effortlessly with his play design. I believe I am capable of doing all he desires, which is why he chose me for his offensive. That’s why I feel like I’m back in Pittsburgh. I’m looking forward to getting back into it and obsessing over the playbook. Everything I do will be around knowing the Pittsburgh Steelers’ playbook and becoming a Steeler.”

With the 2022 NFL Draft in hand, the Pittsburgh Steelers had their pick of quarterbacks, but they chose Pickett above Liberty’s Malik Willis and Cincinnati’s Desmond Ridder, making him the first quarterback taken.

What number will Kenny Pickett wear for the Pittsburgh Steelers?

Pickett will play for the Steelers in No. 8, the same number he wore at Pitt for five seasons.

Pickett jerseys are already on sale at the Steelers’ shop.

Related: Personalize Steelers Hoodie Jerseys With Your Name & Your Number.

Oldschoolthings