The Pittsburgh Steelers have shown patience in their quarterback selections, as evidenced by their drafting of Kenny Pickett at No. 20 overall in the 2022 draft. ESPN analyst Field Yates believes history could repeat itself in 2024, with the Steelers snagging Bo Nix at the same spot in the upcoming draft.
“This one might be a surprise, as the Steelers have backed Kenny Pickett — who they took at No. 20 two years ago — this offseason. But they also said they plan to add competition for him in the quarterback room. Nix blends sharp accuracy with some razzle dazzle (something he has refined during his college career after transferring from Auburn) and an ability to quickly scan the field to deliver the right read.”
Yates’ recent mock draft, released on February 14, predicts the Steelers selecting Nix at No. 20 overall. Nix’s impressive 77.4% completion rate in 2023 set a new FBS record for accuracy in a college season. Additionally, he racked up impressive numbers, throwing for 4,508 yards with 45 touchdowns and just 3 interceptions.
While some may question the Steelers’ decision to pursue another quarterback at No. 20 so soon after Pickett, who has yet to fully pan out, analysts like Yates are bullish on Nix’s potential. Yates suggests that Nix may offer even more upside than Pickett.
At 24 years old by the time of the 2024 NFL draft, Nix would be the same age Pickett was during his first NFL training camp—an age considered relatively older for a first-round quarterback. However, Nix brings substantial college experience to the table, having played five seasons at two different schools, a trait the Steelers valued in their previous draft choices.
Over his five-year college career, Nix amassed impressive statistics, totaling 15,352 passing yards, 113 touchdowns, and 26 interceptions, with an average of 7.9 yards per attempt. Notably, Nix demonstrated clear improvement over his college tenure, with his yards per attempt increasing from 6.7 in his first season at Auburn to 9.6 in his final year.
In contrast, Kenny Pickett has struggled to find consistent success in the NFL, averaging 6.3 yards per attempt over 25 starts and experiencing a decline in his second season, with 13 touchdowns and 13 interceptions on 4,474 passing yards.
With Nix’s promising college career trajectory and potential to offer a fresh perspective for the Steelers’ quarterback position, he presents an intriguing option for Pittsburgh in the upcoming draft.
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