Kenny Pickett, drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft, entered the league with expectations of becoming Ben Roethlisberger’s long-term successor. Known for his leadership, quick release, and accuracy, Pickett has shown flashes of brilliance but has also faced scrutiny for inconsistency and injuries. As of 2025, he remains one of the NFL’s most debated young quarterbacks, balancing potential with pressure. This article explores his journey from college standout to NFL starter, evaluates his performance trends, and looks at what the future might hold for him and the Steelers.
Who Is Kenny Pickett?
Kenny Pickett, born on June 6, 1998, in Oakhurst, New Jersey, rose to prominence as the starting quarterback for the University of Pittsburgh. By the time he left college, Pickett had become Pitt’s all-time leader in passing yards and touchdowns, finishing as a Heisman Trophy finalist in 2021. His strong college résumé convinced the Pittsburgh Steelers to select him 20th overall in the 2022 NFL Draft, making him the first quarterback chosen that year.
His defining qualities are his calmness under pressure, high football IQ, and an ability to extend plays. Critics, however, have often questioned his deep-ball accuracy and consistency against elite NFL defenses.
Kenny Pickett’s Early NFL Career
Rookie Season (2022)
Pickett’s rookie season was marked by growing pains. He began the year behind Mitchell Trubisky but soon took over as the starter after Week 4. Over 13 appearances, he threw for 2,404 yards, 7 touchdowns, and 9 interceptions. While the stats weren’t spectacular, his ability to orchestrate late-game drives stood out. In particular, his fourth-quarter comeback wins against the Las Vegas Raiders and Baltimore Ravens gave Steelers fans hope for the future.
Development in 2023
The 2023 season was expected to be a breakout year, but injuries and offensive struggles held Pickett back. He threw for just over 2,070 yards with 6 touchdowns and 4 interceptions in 12 games. Analysts pointed to the Steelers’ conservative offensive scheme under then-offensive coordinator Matt Canada, which often limited Pickett’s ability to take deep shots.
Nevertheless, his resilience shone through. Pro Football Focus ranked him among the top 15 quarterbacks in terms of pocket awareness, highlighting his poise even under heavy defensive pressure.
2024 Season and Turning Point
The 2024 season was pivotal. With a revamped offensive strategy and better protection from the Steelers’ rebuilt offensive line, Pickett made noticeable strides. He finished the season with 3,250 passing yards, 19 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. More importantly, he led Pittsburgh to a 10–7 record and a playoff appearance.
NFL.com credited him for significantly improving his third-down efficiency, completing over 64% of passes in critical situations. Fans and media began debating whether Pickett was finally cementing himself as a franchise quarterback or if he remained in the “developing tier” of NFL QBs.
Defining Qualities of Kenny Pickett
Leadership
Pickett’s leadership qualities are widely praised. Teammates often describe him as “calm in chaos,” an attribute crucial for a quarterback leading a team with a strong defensive culture like Pittsburgh’s.
Accuracy and Quick Release
At Pittsburgh, his quick release allowed him to neutralize pass rushes. In the NFL, he has translated this skill effectively, though some critics argue that his intermediate throws remain inconsistent.
Mobility
While not an elite runner, Pickett is mobile enough to extend plays. According to ESPN Stats & Info, he averaged 4.2 yards per carry in 2024, often using his legs in red-zone situations.
Clutch Factor
Perhaps Pickett’s most discussed quality is his ability to perform in high-pressure moments. Since entering the NFL, he has recorded six game-winning drives, putting him on par with other young quarterbacks like Justin Herbert and Trevor Lawrence.
Recent Trends and Public Perception (2025)
As of 2025, Kenny Pickett remains one of the NFL’s most polarising figures. On Google Trends, searches for “Kenny Pickett trade rumours” and “Kenny Pickett Steelers future” have risen significantly following debates about whether he is the long-term solution at quarterback.
On YouTube, highlight reels comparing him to Ben Roethlisberger and discussions on Pittsburgh fan channels are trending. On X, hashtags like #InPickettWeTrust and #SteelersQB have been widely shared, reflecting divided fan sentiment.
Sports analysts on ESPN and NFL Network debate his ceiling: some see him as a solid top-12 quarterback in development, while others argue Pittsburgh may eventually need to look for an upgrade if championship ambitions remain unmet.
Real-Life Examples of Pickett’s Impact
The 2024 Wild Card Playoff Game
Against the Kansas City Chiefs, Pickett showcased both his strengths and limitations. While he led the Steelers on two clutch scoring drives, his inability to push the ball deep limited Pittsburgh’s comeback chances in a 28–20 defeat.
Off-the-Field Contributions
Pickett has also been active in community work. He frequently participates in charity events across Pittsburgh, including the UPMC Children’s Hospital fundraiser. His approachable personality has helped him establish strong ties with the local fanbase.
Mentorship
Veteran teammates credit Pickett for creating a culture of accountability in the locker room. His relationship with wide receivers like George Pickens and tight end Pat Freiermuth has been critical in keeping the offence cohesive.
Practical Tips for Evaluating Kenny Pickett’s Performance
Look Beyond Stats
While Pickett’s numbers may not always impress, his late-game composure and leadership often outweigh raw statistics. Evaluators should consider his situational play and decision-making.
Monitor Offensive Schemes
Quarterbacks are only as effective as their system allows. As the Steelers continue to modernise their offensive approach, expect Pickett’s production to rise if schemes are tailored to his strengths.
Consider Team Context
The Steelers’ historically strong defence means Pickett doesn’t need to throw 40 touchdowns a season to succeed. Instead, his role is to minimise mistakes and manage games effectively.
The Future of Kenny Pickett
Looking ahead, Pickett’s career could follow several trajectories. If he continues his steady improvement and avoids injuries, he could solidify himself as a reliable top-tier starter. However, with the AFC loaded with elite quarterbacks such as Patrick Mahomes, Joe Burrow, and Josh Allen, the margin for error is thin.
As of now, Pittsburgh’s management has publicly backed him as their starter, but draft analysts suggest the Steelers may still explore quarterback prospects in future drafts if Pickett stalls.
FAQs
Is Kenny Pickett still the starting quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2025?
Yes, as of the 2025 NFL offseason, Kenny Pickett remains the Steelers’ starting quarterback with the franchise committed to his development.
How has Kenny Pickett performed compared to other young quarterbacks?
Pickett has shown flashes of brilliance, particularly in clutch moments, but statistically he ranks in the middle tier compared to quarterbacks like Trevor Lawrence and Justin Herbert.
What are Kenny Pickett’s biggest strengths?
His leadership, quick release, mobility, and clutch performances in the fourth quarter are considered his most defining strengths.
What challenges has Kenny Pickett faced in his career so far?
Injuries, conservative offensive schemes, and inconsistent deep-ball accuracy have been his major hurdles since entering the NFL.
Could the Steelers move on from Kenny Pickett in the future?
While the Steelers have shown faith in him, continued inconsistency may push the franchise to evaluate other quarterback options in the draft or free agency.
Final Thoughts
Kenny Pickett’s journey in the NFL illustrates the challenges of stepping into the shoes of a franchise legend. While he has faced setbacks and criticism, his resilience, leadership, and late-game poise make him a valuable asset to the Steelers. His story is still being written, and whether he evolves into a long-term franchise quarterback or becomes a bridge player for the next generation will depend on the next few critical seasons. For now, Steelers fans can take comfort in knowing their quarterback has the tools and mentality to compete at the highest level.
For more insights, you may find these articles helpful:
Chelsea Liverpool Premier League Rivalry 2025
To read more; Manchesterjournal
