Good Friday to you Steelers fans.
After months of evaluating players and more specifically quarterbacks, the Pittsburgh Steelers finally put an end to the speculation of what QB they had been targeting all along. In many ways we should have seen it coming. The selection of Kenny Pickett checked nearly every, single box in the Kevin Colbert-Mike Tomlin Draft Pattern. Power 5 school? Check. team finished in the Top 25? Check. Both attended his Pro Day? Check. Had him in for a personal visit? Check. Ultimately, with both Pickett and Malik Willis available at 20, the Steelers did what the usually do. Willis, the rocket-armed guy from Liberty University, couldn’t compete with all of those checkmarks. He transferred from Auburn when he couldn’t beat out two other guys. He played at a Non-Power 5 school and looked exceptionally average when playing “the big schools.” Still, it appeared that Tomlin had found his guy when in fact, his guy was next door all along. Of course we’ll never know the truth of it or at least not for some time to come. Much like Dan Rooney “suggested” Ben Roethlisberger when Kevin Colbert and Bill Cowher wanted guard Shane Andrews, did something like this happen? Were Colbert and Tomlin overruled by Art Rooney II? At this time I know absolutely nothing but I’m curious let’s just say that. Either way, buckle up kid!!
The Podcast
What a show. We were recording last night’s episode of the SCB Steelers Podcast presented by DEK Roofing Inc when the Steelers selected Kenny Pickett at 20. As you’ll see and hear there were all kinds of reactions from the four of us and we also had a brief appearance by a special guest who had to air his grievances. We know this show wasn’t perfect but it I think you’ll enjoy it regardless.
Tweet of the Day… Our friend is one of the great follows on Twitter. This is terrific.
Good morning pic.twitter.com/iHSbVrKukd
— Kennyburgh (@WrapGod_) April 29, 2022
Residual Effects
With Pickett now added to a QB room that includes Mason Rudolph and Mitchell Trubisky, how does this play out? No one argues that of all of the available quarterbacks Pickett is the most “pro ready.” From an experience and system perspective, he just is. Would it surprise me if he went in and won the starting job? It would to be honest because I think the plan is to ride with Trubisky while Pickett prepares. The pressure on Pickett is going to be immense. Some of it fairly and some of it not. For Mason Rudolph, he has to be looking to get out and get a fresh start somewhere else. It’s clear he isn’t the guy and he’s never going to be the guy in Pittsburgh. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him go elsewhere over the next few months.
Day Two
With rounds two and three on tap for tonight, I have to believe wide receiver is a primary target. The market has gone nuts with receivers and the Steelers would be best served to grab one at 52. From there, they must also look at defensive line and secondary. On day three, it will likely be ‘best player available’ but another receiver is expected and linebacking help would be prudent as well.
FOCO
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Our Online Store
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