Much to the astonishment of many, the Pittsburgh Steelers were presented with the opportunity to select any quarterback in the recent NFL draft. However, without having to make any adjustments to their position, the Steelers opted for Kenny Pickett, the former Pitt Panther quarterback, as their 20th overall pick.
Although Malik Willis from Liberty received recognition from numerous analysts for his overall talent, Pickett was highly esteemed as the player most prepared to succeed immediately in the quarterback position.
In its effort to overhaul a struggling offense, Pittsburgh went beyond just that. The team managed to secure a total of five offensive players from its seven selections.
George Pickens, a highly regarded wide receiver from Georgia, has been included as a second-round pick. He is expected to fill the void left by JuJu Smith-Schuster.
Now, let’s delve into the Steelers’ 2022 draft class and assess their current odds at West Virginia sportsbooks.
Steelers draft Kenny Pickett
Despite the addition of Mitchell Trubisky this offseason, the team was aware that it still needed to find a permanent solution at the quarterback position.
Entering the draft, Pickett and Willis were the frontrunners to be the first two quarterbacks chosen, but the front office had uncertainties about how the first round would unfold for them.
Willis’ draft position at DraftKings WV Sportsbook was set at 10.5, while Pickett’s was listed at 12.5.
Fortunately, both prospects fell short of reaching the high projections, which has provided the Steelers with the opportunity to consider both of them.
Given Pittsburgh’s overall position, it’s no wonder they opted to retain Pickett. With a roster boasting talent in multiple areas, this team has the potential to secure victories throughout the season.
Ben Roethlisberger, a highly regarded player destined for the Hall of Fame, has hindered the Steelers’ performance for a significant portion of the past two years. His QBR of 35.6 for the year 2021 placed him at the 25th position among all starting quarterbacks.
It’s always tough to bid farewell to a legend, but Pittsburgh is now in a more favorable position. Pickett may encounter some initial challenges as rookies typically do, but his potential surpasses that of last season’s version of Big Ben.
Pickett had a remarkable season last year, with over 67% of his passes completed for an impressive 4,300+ yards. He also scored a total of 47 touchdowns and only threw seven interceptions. These outstanding performances earned Pickett a place in New York for the Heisman Trophy presentation, where he ultimately finished third.
A notable detail that emerged during the draft evaluation was the size of Pickett’s hands. Despite being smaller than any NFL starter, this physical attribute didn’t appear to hinder the quarterback’s performance in college. According to his ESPN analysis, Pickett demonstrates excellent accuracy and timing when throwing deep passes.
While Pickett may not be classified as a running quarterback, he exhibits agility and the ability to maneuver when required. Throughout the previous season, he managed to carry the ball nearly 100 times for the Panthers, accumulating approximately 250 rushing yards.
Pittsburgh addresses offensive needs
It is anticipated that Head coach Mike Tomlin will give both Pickett and Trubisky a chance to compete for the starting position this summer. Considering the previous experience of the former Bears QB, the coaching staff will likely be favoring Pickett.
The one who gains the advantage will relish the rewards awaiting them in the offensive huddle.
With a height of 6’3″, Pickens adds to the imposing presence on the outside. He becomes part of a talented receiver room that includes Diontae Johnson, Chase Claypool, and fellow rookie Calvin Austin III.
The wideout from Memphis was chosen by Pittsburgh in the fifth round, and it appears that he will take on the roles that Pickens won’t.
Austin III, standing at a modest 5’8″ and weighing 170 lbs, has great potential in the slot position and could also be an asset on the punt return team. The absence of Smith-Schuster and James Washington will not be deeply felt.
This group of receivers offers a diverse range of skills, which can greatly assist a rookie QB. Additionally, we have the talented tight end Pat Freiermuth and the hardworking running back Najee Harris in our arsenal.
In addition, the Steelers made some acquisitions to bolster their defense.
DeMarvin Leal, a talented defensive end from Texas A&M, was selected in the third round. Last year, he showcased his skills by recording 8.5 sacks, tying for the team’s highest total. Initially, he is expected to contribute as a situational pass rusher and could potentially fill the shoes of players like Stephon Tuitt in the future.
In the final round, Pittsburgh selected Mark Robinson, an outside linebacker from Mississippi, in the draft.
Pickett wasn’t the sole QB selected; the team opted for Chris Oladokun as well, choosing him with the 20th pick in the seventh round. Alongside Mason Rudolph in the Pittsburgh roster, Oladokun could potentially secure a spot on the practice squad.
Steelers odds at WV sportsbooks
It is unsurprising that Pittsburgh currently possesses the lowest odds to win the AFC North. This is due to the fact that their division is once again filled with strong teams and showcases a remarkable group of talented young quarterbacks in the league.
The recent inclusion of Deshaun Watson could potentially make the Browns’ roster even stronger, if he becomes available. Lamar Jackson, a former MVP, and Joe Burrow, who led his team to the Super Bowl, have already proven themselves as franchise players.
The Steelers are now the ones lacking a vital component typically found in most championship contenders. However, unlike last year, there is optimism that the current roster holds some potential solutions.
Currently, DraftKings places Pittsburgh at a disadvantage with the least favorable chances to win the division, offering odds of +800. On the other hand, the Browns are favored with odds of +175, closely followed by Cincinnati (+200) and Baltimore (+225).
While it may disappoint Pittsburgh fans, there is a small glimmer of hope. The book predicts the Steelers’ win total to be at 7.5, suggesting they are likely to achieve a close-to-.500 record.
Securing a handful more victories could potentially lead to a spot in the marginally enlarged playoffs.
DraftKings naturally offers a market for this scenario, where the Steelers have odds of +275 to qualify for the postseason, while the option of them not qualifying is listed at -360.
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