The NFL Draft is a high-stakes game, and sometimes, even the experts get it wrong. But when it comes to the Pittsburgh Steelers and their 2022 first-round pick, Kenny Pickett, it's a decision that has been deemed a disaster.
ESPN's Matt Miller has declared Pickett the worst first-round quarterback selection in the last five seasons. This bold statement is sure to spark debate among football fans and analysts alike. But here's the catch: Miller isn't alone in this assessment.
In a recent ranking of first-round quarterbacks, Miller polled scouts and executives to determine the best and worst picks. Pickett, the former Pittsburgh Steelers QB, was drafted 20th overall in 2022, but his performance failed to live up to expectations. And this is where it gets interesting: Pickett's selection was considered even worse than that of Chicago Bears QB Caleb Williams, the No. 1 overall pick in 2024, who topped the list of underwhelming quarterbacks.
Pickett's journey in Pittsburgh was short-lived. He started 24 games in two seasons, showcasing moments of brilliance but ultimately failing to lead the team to consistent success. And this is the part most people miss: The Steelers' situation at the time played a significant role in this narrative. With the retirement of Ben Roethlisberger, the Steelers were desperate for a new franchise quarterback. However, the 2022 quarterback class was not considered strong, and the Steelers settled for Pickett, a local favorite who played at the University of Pittsburgh.
Was Pickett a victim of circumstance, or was he truly the worst pick? It's a question that invites controversy. While Pickett's record as a starter was 14-10, the Steelers' defense was a major factor in those wins. And now, just four seasons later, Pickett has already been with five different teams, a clear indication of his struggles to find his footing in the league.
The Steelers' dilemma highlights the challenges of drafting a quarterback. They had few appealing options, and even Malik Willis, who was highly regarded, hasn't lived up to the hype. San Francisco 49ers QB Brock Purdy, the last pick of the 2021 draft, has been the only consistent starter from his class so far.
So, was the Steelers' decision to draft Pickett a mistake? It's a complex issue, and opinions may vary. What do you think? Is Pickett's story a cautionary tale or an unfortunate circumstance? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
