The Steelers ought to have a quarterback competitors on their palms.
After spending a first-round choose on native product Kenny Pickett, Steelers coach Mike Tomlin informed NFL Community that the Heisman Trophy finalist “definitely has an opportunity” to be the Week 1 starter in Pittsburgh.
“It was two issues that actually attracted us to him from a ground standpoint,” Tomlin mentioned. “We thought he had pro-level anticipation. We thought he had pro-level accuracy. Oftentimes, these are two variables that actually require a number of adjustment from a quarterbacking standpoint. We felt he got here ready-made in these methods. Hopefully, that’s an asset to him when it comes to with the ability to compete and being prepared, if his efficiency dictates it.”
The competitors can be between Pickett and Mitchell Trubisky, each of whom are new to the Steelers following Ben Roethlisberger’s retirement. Mason Rudolph could possibly be within the combine as nicely.
Pickett is not less than intimately accustomed to Heinz Discipline, having performed dwelling video games there with Pitt in faculty. He threw for 4,319 yards and 42 touchdowns with the Panthers final season, main them to an ACC title earlier than sitting out within the Peach Bowl — through which Pitt misplaced to Michigan State.
“One of many issues that was very evident about Kenny being subsequent door is he’s only a ridiculous competitor,” Tomlin mentioned. “So we’re simply enthusiastic about placing him within the combine and watching him compete in opposition to Mitch and Mason and seeing the place that leads us.”
Tomlin mentioned Pickett’s professionalism is an indication of his readiness. He was the one quarterback taken earlier than the third spherical of the draft when Cincinnati’s Desmond Ridder went to Atlanta.
“There’s consolation however there’s a job at hand and I do know what I've to do,” Pickett informed reporters. “I understand how to go about my enterprise so I’m actually excited to be right here.”
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