What will be a determining factor in just how high the Pittsburgh Steelers can soar in the upcoming season will be the performance of quarterback Kenny Pickett. He was the only quarterback selected in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft and things got off to a rocky start in his career.
Kenny Pickett and the Steelers went 1-3 in his first four starts of the season as turnovers plagued him. In his first five regular season appearances, he threw eight interceptions compared to only two touchdowns. But, whatever was done during the bye week helped exponentially, as he was a different player in the second half of the season.
The Pitt star threw only one interception in the final nine games of the season, showing more poise and better decision-making with the football. When the Steelers needed him to make a play, he was able to do it.
However, not everyone is high on Kenny Pickett heading into the 2023 season. Whatever is used to run the projections by NFL.com for Fantasy Football is not envisioning a strong season for the second-year signal caller.
Kenny Pickett is projected to throw for 3,490 yards with 18 touchdowns and 15 interceptions. Only four players, C.J. Stroud, Justin Herbert, Bryce Young and Jordan Love, are projected to throw more interceptions in 2023 than him. 24 quarterbacks are projected to throw more touchdowns than him.
On the ground, where some fleet-footedness was shown as a rookie, he is projected to rush for 304 yards with three touchdowns. Those seem like low-ball projections as Kenny Pickett is set up for success in 2023.
The Steelers retained the same coaching staff from his rookie season, which will help as he spent the entire offseason expanding on his knowledge not having to learn a new system. The supporting cast around him is also very strong.
The team acquired wide receiver Allen Robinson from the Los Angeles Rams to make a strong trio along with Diontae Johnson and George Pickens. At tight end, Pat Frieirmuth has emerged as a top pass-catching threat at the position. In the backfield, Najee Harris remains a workhorse and Jaylen Warren proved to be a productive change of pace back as a rookie.
It would not be surprising to see Kenny Pickett blow those expectations out of the water. While he may not be a top-flight option for Fantasy Football managers, the potential to be more than waiver wire fodder as he is projected to be is there.
