NFL analyst makes big prediction for 2 Steelers rookies in 2022
NFL.com has an encouraging view of a couple of Pittsburgh Steelers rookies. Chad Reuter, a draft analyst for NFL.com, tried his luck last week at predicting the 2022 Offensive All-Rookie Team and he included two Steelers. Reuter has quarterback Kenny Pickett and wide receiver George Pickens on his Offensive All-Rookie Team. From NFL.com: On Pickett: Pickett […]
NFL.com has an encouraging view of a couple of Pittsburgh Steelers rookies.
Chad Reuter, a draft analyst for NFL.com, tried his luck last week at predicting the 2022 Offensive All-Rookie Team and he included two Steelers.
Reuter has quarterback Kenny Pickett and wide receiver George Pickens on his Offensive All-Rookie Team.
On Pickett:
Pickett was the third-string quarterback in OTAs and minicamp, playing behind veterans Mitchell Trubisky and Mason Rudolph. That could be a very temporary placement for the rookie, though. I suspect that Pickett — the only quarterback selected in the first two rounds of this year’s draft — will take over the starting job before too long in 2022, leaning on his experience and athleticism to garner all-rookie honors.
On Pickens:
In his final draft before retiring as the Steelers’ general manager, Kevin Colbert once again landed a bargain receiver in the second round. Pickens is already impressing, showing off his skills during OTAs. Expect whoever lines up at quarterback for Pittsburgh to regularly lean on his speed and strong hands to make big plays downfield.
I think Pickens could easily be one of the biggest steals of the draft. If he's healthy — and he appears to be healthy right now — he's one of the most talented wide receivers in this rookie class. He certainly has first-round talent. It wouldn't surprise me at all if he breaks out in a big way as a rookie, which would give the Steelers some flexibility as they decide what to do about Diontae Johnson's contract situation (as well as Chase Claypool, eventually).
As for Pickett, he isn't expected to start the season as Pittsburgh's starting quarterback. Instead, it's expected to be Mitch Trubisky. If Pickett lands on this list at season's end, it will likely mean that Trubisky was ineffective (or there was an injury). The emergence of Pickett would bode well for the Steelers' future, but it would probably mean that Pittsburgh doesn't make the playoffs in 2022.
Featured image via Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
