20. Kenny Pickett – Pittsburgh Steelers
The only quarterback selected in the first round came in at 20th. It has long been discussed what the Steelers will do, looking for their next long-term signal caller. Overcoming Mailk Willis, Pittsburgh found its next quarterback from Pittsburgh. Kenny Pickett had just had to walk down the Heinz Field lobby to another changing room. Pickett’s pick was the closest the first quarterback was picked in the NFL Draft in 25 years, when Jim Druckenmiller finished 26th overall among the 49ers. As valuable as finding an outstanding quarterback in the NFL is, this is only the second time in the past 20 years that only one quarterback has been selected in the first round. Pickett’s hand is smaller than any current NFL quarterback, but who cares? The Steelers have matured beyond the point of gain here. Pickett is 24 years old, one year younger than Joe Burrow.
Choosing Pickett over Willis is like just picking a kid familiar with his new city. In replacing Ben Roethlisberger, the franchise clearly prioritizes what he has shown, coming in third in this season’s Heisman vote, as opposed to what could be. Willis has been compared to Michael Vick and Lamar Jackson. But I don’t see that. He may be great, but Pickett is the safer bet. Going with one thing for sure for a franchise quarterback is not difficult to understand. He’s more than ready to start in the NFL right now.
