Steelers QB Kenny Pickett may be a thorn in the side of Pittsburgh's future

The Pittsburgh Steelers are in a weird stage of their NFL life.  Young with question marks but promise at key positions like QB, WR, and OL, yet ready to win with players like T.J. Watt, Cam Heyward, and Minkah Fitzpatrick.  So while the future is bright for the Steelers, ESPN isn't so sure it will […]

Rob Gregson — NFL News Writer
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ESPN ranks Steelers seventh in NFL future power rankings

The Pittsburgh Steelers are in a weird stage of their NFL life. 

Young with question marks but promise at key positions like QB, WR, and OL, yet ready to win with players like T.J. Watt, Cam Heyward, and Minkah Fitzpatrick. 

So while the future is bright for the Steelers, ESPN isn't so sure it will include Kenny Pickett:

Steelers Rank 7th in ESPN’s NFL Future Power Rankings at 84.1%

© Jessica Rapfogel-USA TODAY Sports

In an effort to predict who will be atop the league not only this year but for seasons to come, ESPN put together a team to rate the top teams across the league based on five weighted metrics that add up to 100%:

  • Roster (30%)
  • QB (20%)
  • Coaching (20%)
  • Front Office (15%)
  • Draft (15%) 
  • Steelers Grades
  • Roster: 85.3% (9th overall)
  • QB: 74.3% (22nd overall)
  • Coaching: 92.7% (3rd overall)
  • Front Office: 85% (7th overall)
  • Draft: 82% (9th overall)

It doesn't take a mathematician to see that the reason for optimism on Pittsburgh's future is for every area outside of quarterback. And in fairness to Pickett, that's largely because he's still an unknown in this league. But as Louis Riddick pointed out, Pittsburgh's main reason for concern still involves the young signal caller:

I want to see this team create explosive passing plays down the field at a much greater frequency. The Pittsburgh offense finished 25th in the NFL in QBR on passes that traveled 21-plus air yards (67.1) and tied for 23rd in total passing plays gaining at least 20 yards (44). That means Pickett, the wide receiver room, the protection up front and offensive coordinator Matt Canada all have to be better. — Riddick

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It's not breaking news that quarterback is the most important position in the sport and thus holds a heavy weight on whether or not a team will ascend or start completely over. 

Pittsburgh didn't have to worry about that for the past two decades, but a new era has begun and the team is all in on Kenny Pickett. But what this exercise shows, is that the infrastructure is set for Pickett. 

This is not a roster devoid of talent, a coaching staff new to the league, or a dysfunctional organization. This is one of the more complete teams in the league, meaning the time is now for Pickett to show what he's got. 



For the full set of rankings, click here.

Featured image via: © Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

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