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3 Steelers breakout candidates, 1 player who will disappoint in 2023 season

By Cody Williams

PITTSBURGH, PA - OCTOBER 02: Kenny Pickett #8 of the Pittsburgh Steelers huddles with teammates during the game against the New York Jets at Acrisure Stadium on October 2, 2022 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - OCTOBER 02: Kenny Pickett #8 of the Pittsburgh Steelers huddles with teammates during the game against the New York Jets at Acrisure Stadium on October 2, 2022 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) /
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Steelers breakout candidates, Kenny Pickett
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA – NOVEMBER 13: Kenny Pickett #8 of the Pittsburgh Steelers throws the ball during the first half of the game against the New Orleans Saints at Acrisure Stadium on November 13, 2022 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /

Steelers breakout candidate No. 2: Kenny Pickett, QB

It was basically a foregone conclusion that Kenny Pickett would end up as the starting quarterback in Pittsburgh after being a first-round pick in the 2022 draft, the only signal-caller taken in the first 32 selections. That indeed came to fruition with Pickett taking over midway through Week 4 and never looking back — though he did miss essentially two games after ending up in concussion protocol.

There were ups and downs throughout Pickett’s rookie season, to be sure. The numbers were fine, throwing for 2,404 yards with seven touchdowns but nine interceptions on 6.2 yards per attempt while completing 63.0% of his throws in 13 games played. He also rushed for 237 yards and three scores as well.

Having said that, Pickett drew plenty of criticism for not moving the ball downfield enough, bailing out of the pocket erratically, and simply looking like a rookie. With the situation the Steelers have now built around their quarterback, though, it could be like a whole new player in the 2023 season.

The biggest factor is the offensive line improvements as guard Isaac Seumalo was signed in free agency with Broderick Jones being selected in the first round. Pickett seemed to get happy feet at times in the pocket because of a lack of faith in the O-line, which resulted in some poor decision-making. With more time, he should not only feel more comfortable, but will have more time to let his receivers work.

That’s another thing working in Pickett’s favor, too. Diontae Johnson and George Pickens were quite good a year ago, but now they’ve added Allen Robinson II and have hopes for Calvin Austin III too. That group should put their quarterback in a great position to succeed.

All told, this is all pointing toward Kenny Pickett making a sophomore leap after being so hot-and-cold as a rookie. The situation is right and, unless the Steelers made a mistake pursuing Ben Roethlisberger’s successor, the 2022 first-rounder should establish himself as a top-half starting quarterback in the NFL this season.

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