Heir to the throne: Why Kenny Pickett is the Steelers’ right choice
It is the dawn of a new age for the Pittsburgh Steelers and they are ready to put the league on notice. Just like Wyatt Earp, they have given themselves a lot of firepower and they are going to bring hell with them.
With the craziness of the first round of the NFL draft, many were so sure that Malik Willis was going to be the first quarterback off the board. My friends, Kevin Colbert and the Steelers made the best choice for the future of this organization by making Kenny Pickett the future of this team, the heir to the quarterback throne, and I want to give you my five reasons why.
Hometown hero
It feels just like fate; the fact that an elite, young quarterback can literally stay in the same town he helped win a championship in college remaining in Pittsburgh. With the departure of Ben Roethlisberger, the “Steel City” needed someone in the building to be the long-term successor, and, as it turns out, he was right across the river.
Nothing will give the Steelers a chance at further greatness than having a young kid with a dream getting to lead the charge for his team. I am fully confident that Pickett is capable of being that guy.
Skillset
After watching a lot of tape on Pickett, a few things really stand out to me about what he brings to the offense.
First, his mobility, which is what head coach Mike Tomlin and company made apparent as one of their biggest desires for their next play caller. Pickett has one of the most explosive rollouts I’ve seen. When he decides to take off, it is extremely quick and decisive.
Second, his decision making. Watch Pickett in desperate situations, being rushed and being able to read the field, and get still able to get the ball – not only safely, but to someone to gain more than just a few yards. He is a very smart and calculated quarterback.
If he can translate that to the NFL level and utilize the weapons the Steelers have, watch out, because it has the potential to be the next explosive offense we have not seen since the “Killer B’s”.
Do not forget his throw on the run. Just like Big Ben, Picket’s accuracy on the run is so deadly.
Compliment that with his rollouts and give him time to grow, this Steelers offense can be something very special for years to come.
Leadership
Since the majority of the Steelers’ roster is very young, they needed someone to be that future voice and long-term leader for the offense. While Mitchell Trubisky is not as bad as everyone makes him out to be, Pickett has all of the qualities to become that “x”-factor and be that strong leader to help the Steelers push through the adversities of Sunday.
Pickett’s experience at Pitt, along with his growth as a leader, will translate well in the Steelers locker room.
Toughness
You cannot have a successor, or heir, to Roethlisberger without having a person who has inner toughness and enjoys the thrill of the hit.
Pickett loves to take defenders head-on and go for that first with his shoulder. That mentality bleeds black and gold. There’s no better fit to take over the throne.
The story unfolding
It almost seems like all the pieces of the puzzle just fall in line. Imagine the story of Pickett bringing the Steelers to “7th heaven.”
This is the first chapter in the story of Kenny Pickett. Now we get to watch the rest of the story unfold. Hopefully, that story will include hoisting a Lombardi Trophy at least once in its telling.
