Kenny Pickett focused on learning names, playbook at Steelers minicamp

The Pittsburgh Steelers selected former Pitt Panthers quarterback Kenny Pickett with the No. 20 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, and now they hope that he can turn into the team’s next franchise quarterback. Pickett is getting his first experience in a Steelers uniform this week at the team’s rookie minicamp, and his goal is simply to gain familiarity with the playbook and the other players around him on the field.

After his first minicamp action, Pickett broke down his initial goals as he begins his career with the Steelers.

“It was great,” said Pickett. “‘I’m just trying to learn the guy’s names. I really haven’t got a chance to meet anybody. We’ve been in meetings. I want to call guys out to help and stuff and talk and I have no clue who I am talking to.”

Even though minicamp is far from full speed, it proves as an important benchmark and can help rookies gain valuable experience when getting accustomed to their new teams. Pickett is focused on moving forward slowly, taking care of what is directly in front of him.

“I would say we’re kind of doing a good job of taking this a step at a time, really taking it slow,” said Pickett. “It’s a walkthrough, but guys really want to run fast. I know everyone’s excited to practice, so we’ll see how it goes in a couple hours.”

Pickett expected to compete for the Steelers starting quarterback job as a rookie

During his five-year collegiate career at Pitt, Pickett was in close proximity for the Steelers. Pittsburgh was very familiar with Pickett over the years, and that is something that aided the Steelers when scouting him ahead of the draft. Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin is a big believer in Pickett.

“First of all, he had a couple of elements of his game that were really attractive,” Tomlin said on The Rich Eisen Show. “His ability to anticipate and his professional-level accuracy. Oftentimes, the college guys have a ways to go in those areas. When we talked about a high floor it’s usually because they’re pro ready in those areas and he was.

“We also had the proximity angle and a bird’s eye view of his growth and development. He does the things that come with the quarterback position in a very natural way whether it’s dealing with and leading his teammates or talking to the media. None of that appears to be a chore for him.”

The Steelers also have Mitch Trubisky and Mason Rudolph in the quarterback room, but Pickett has the opportunity to earn the starting job out of the gates as a rookie.