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Pittsburgh product Kenny Pickett was the only quarterback selected in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft, finding his way to the Pittsburgh Steelers at No. 20 overall. The team certainly wasted no time finding someone it hopes can be its new franchise quarterback following veteran Ben Roethlisberger's retirement at the end of the 2021 season.
Even though Pickett cost the Steelers a high draft pick and is a lock to make the roster, he will still have to compete to win the starting job.
What type of competition does Pickett face in Pittsburgh? Will he start over the other quarterbacks? Should you draft Pickett this year? Let's answer those three pivotal questions to understand what's in store for the rookie.
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Who Are The Steelers Fantasy Football QB Options?
Even before the offseason began, the Steelers began taking stock of their quarterback room. For quite some time, the team has rostered Mason Rudolph as its backup to Roethlisberger. He has made 17 appearances (10 starts) through three years in the league, going 5-4-1 with 236 completions, 2,366 yards, 16 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. Not only does he know the offense well, but he has also shown that he is capable of quarterbacking the Steelers.
Pittsburgh also made a splash early in free agency, signing former first-round pick Mitchell Trubisky to a two-year contract. He has the strongest resumé in the Steelers' quarterback room after spending nearly four seasons as the starter in Chicago before backing up Josh Allen in Buffalo last year.
His best season was 2018, when he went 11-3, made the Pro Bowl, and led Chicago to the playoffs. That year, he completed 66.6 percent of his passes and posted career-highs in yards (3,223), touchdowns (24), and interceptions (12). The end of his run in Chicago was shaky and he hasn't started a game since 2020, but Trubisky has the track record needed to turn the page in Pittsburgh.
Pickett, meanwhile, is coming off a collegiate season in which he completed 67.2 percent of his passes for 4,319 yards, 42 touchdowns, and just seven interceptions. He also used his legs to add 241 yards and five touchdowns on the ground.
Will Kenny Pickett Start at QB For the Steelers in 2022?
Pickett is not expected to draw the start for the Steelers in Week 1. Between an underwhelming training camp and the Steelers feeling no urgency to throw him into the fire, Pickett will likely ride the bench to open the season.
With Pickett filling a depth role, the Steelers will continue to evaluate both Rudolph and Trubisky for the starting job. It's unclear which signal-caller has the edge at this point, but both are expected to make the roster. This would leave the team with three quarterbacks, including Pickett in a third-sting role. Presumably, once the Steelers are ready to bump Pickett to backup or starter, the team would trim down from three quarterbacks to two.
Where Should I Draft Kenny Pickett in 2022 Fantasy Football Drafts?
Pickett currently sports an ADP of 258, making him the 33rd quarterback off the board in fantasy drafts. Pittsburgh hopes to be competitive in 2022, so they won't play Pickett unless they are sure he's ready.
Since he has struggled in camp and is not expected to start anytime soon, there's no need to stash Pickett in the depths of your redraft roster. With that said, he does have some appeal in dynasty leagues considering Pittsburgh still views him as their next franchise quarterback.
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