Steelers: What day two of the Draft means for Kenny Pickett
When the Pittsburgh Steelers selected Kenny Pickett in last year's draft, even they would probably admit they lacked some of the infrastructure required to be competitive with a rookie quarterback. But then they added George Pickens on day two of the 2022 NFL Draft, and since the end of the season, they have added pass […]
When the Pittsburgh Steelers selected Kenny Pickett in last year's draft, even they would probably admit they lacked some of the infrastructure required to be competitive with a rookie quarterback.
But then they added George Pickens on day two of the 2022 NFL Draft, and since the end of the season, they have added pass catchers and offensive linemen via free agency and trades.
But after day two of this years draft, the Steelers have added two more critical pieces to the offense in first-round pick Broderick Jones and his Georgia teammate Darnell Washington in round three.
The team now boasts a lead back in Najee Harris, a Super Bowl-winning guard along the interior in Isacc Seamulo, a terrific trio of receivers in Dionate Johnson, George Pickens, and recently added Allen Robinson, a potential franchise left tackle in Broderick Jones, and now two certifiable tight ends in Pat Friermuth and Darnell Washington.
Now if you wanted to say that the health of Washington is a concern, obvious by his drop in draft status, or point to Robinson's lack of production over the past two seasons, or even hedge your optimism on Broderick Jones, I would say you have a fair argument for all three.
But that's mostly picking nits in my opinion. The truth is, this offense is now ready to go after day two of the 2023 NFL Draft. The pressure is on. and as much as Steeler fans may want to place that pressure on offensive coordinator Matt Canada, it's really going to be on Kenny Pickett.
But there's no reason to think he won't turn that pressure into fuel, and show why the Steelers took him in the first round. He's already shown the propensity to add weight, something he said he wanted to focus on this offseason.
Then there's the words of coach Tomlin, a man that firmly believes in the young signal caller. But whether you belive in him or not, and whether there be real issues at playcalling or not, he's the quarterback and the wins and losses will fall at his feet, no matter how unjust.
So as we approach day three of the draft and the impending priority free agency period, the Steelers have positioned themselves to return to the playoffs in 2023 and to aim for higher goals that just being competitive. The question is, will their year two quarterback be up for the challenge?
