Kenny Pickett listed as a breakout candidate by CBS Sports

Even in a loaded AFC and AFC North, people are pretty high on the Pittsburgh Steelers going into 2023. Most of that optimism is coming from the expected ascension by QB Kenny Pickett in his second season in the pros.

CBS Sports was the latest outlet to speak highly of the Steeler quarterback. That’s because Cody Benjamin deemed Pickett as one of their breakout players for this year. After a rough start as a rookie, his development and improvement that took place down the stretch of Pittsburgh’s season could continue into this fall now to put him in position for a breakout.

“At this point, Pickett’s breakout is almost an expectation rather than a prediction. But there’s reason for it: despite ugly numbers playing spoiler for an old-school Steelers team as a rookie, the hometown kid grew in gusto and crunch-time precision as 2022 wore on,” wrote Benjamin.

Benjamin also noted the overall growth of the Steeler offense and franchise around Pickett. With all the different weapons as well as a usually reliable defense on the other side of the football? Pickett could end up leading a surprisingly good team in the NFL this year.

“He’s got an improved and underrated setup to help with outlets both explosive (Jaylen Warren, George Pickens) and physical (Najee Harris, Pat Freiermuth). Not to mention an ever-feisty defense,” Benjamin wrote.

Pickett finished his rookie campaign with 2,404 yards, seven touchdowns, and nine interceptions on a 63% completion rate. After Pittsburgh’s bye week, though, he really found his groove. He threw for over 1,400 of his yards, five of his touchdowns, and only one of his interceptions in his seven healthy appearances during that stretch.

His step up in play also nearly led to a complete turnaround of the Steeler’s season as they closed at 7-2, including four straight wins, after starting 2-6.

With all the other great quarterbacks in the sport, especially in his conference and division, Pickett’s numbers might not necessarily pop. Still, while that might be the case, Benjamin believes that he’ll further prove why he’s a quality young player and the perfect leader for the Steelers franchise.

“His stat line may still end up solid more than spectacular, but he’s got the makings of a scrappy winner — totally fitting for the position in Steel City,” Benjamin wrote.

Mike Tomlin details Pickett’s improvement, how he represents the Steelers

Kenny Pickett is now the guy for the Pittsburgh Steelers. The second-year quarterback will need to take a big step forward to get his team back into the playoffs.

Still, Mike Tomlin expressed plenty of faith in his leader.

Tomlin recently joined the ‘Rich Eisen Show’ and praised Pickett for embracing Pittsburgh’s culture. He says the quarterback comes to work every day prepared to get better.

“I think he individually is a good representative of what I’ve been talking about. The dude comes to compete every day. He loves it,” Tomlin said. “He’s getting better, he’s getting more comfortable in his shoes.

“The quarterback is the heartbeat of a team. He’s been that before. But it’s the first time at this level and I think he’s more comfortable in those shoes. I think there’s more fluidity in his play because of all of the above.”

Tomlin also said Pickett is getting more comfortable becoming the emotional leader of the team.

“He is very vocal, emotional, fiery,” Tomlin said. “And it’s been fun to kinda watch that natural component of him come out. … It’s cool to see that come out of him at the professional level.”