Mike Tomlin reveals what he learned about Kenny Pickett since drafting him

Mike Tomlin and the Pittsburgh Steelers are heading into the 2022 campaign with change throughout the organization, particularly on offense, but for a franchise that has been a consistent playoff contender for two decades minus a few losing seasons, tough decisions are coming.

With rookie minicamp in the rearview and the head coach himself admitting his new quarterback will have a fair shot at the competition to be the day one starter if he proves he’s the best option by the time the season opener comes, the Steelers’ frontman was asked if he has learned anything new about Kenny Pickett at minicamp and now that he’s personally coaching the only QB selected in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft.

Tomlin gave a short, but insightful response.

“Not particularly with him but obviously I have gotten a lot more personal exposure as him the man, relative to some of his teammates,” the longtime Steelers’ coach responded.

While Mike Tomlin answered short he alluded to the fact he hasn’t seen anything from a football perspective that he didn’t already know after a few days of practice, but hinted that certain interactions, behind-the-scenes meetings and getting a first-hand look at him as his potential future franchise passer.

Mike Tomlin explains decision to draft Kenny Pickett

Following the 2022 NFL Draft, Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin dished on the behind-the-scenes details surrounding their No. 1 selection Kenny Pickett. The Pittsburgh Steelers chose the Pittsburgh Panthers star with the No. 20 overall pick on night one, placing high hopes on the quarterback who could take over after the long Ben Roethlisberger era.

“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.”

Kenny Pickett and Mike Tomlin got to know each other in passing over the course of four years while the young quarterback was with the Panthers. That comfortability was a big reason why the Steelers are taking a chance on Pickett for the future of the franchise