The Pittsburgh Steelers have turned their franchise over to the only QB drafted in the first round of the 2022 draft, Kenny Pickett.
The rookie has played in five games this season and started four but has struggled mightily.
His stats include two touchdowns with eight interceptions, along with a QBR of 38.6.
Despite how bad Pickett has looked, the Steelers should not be worried, yet.
The Steelers have a bad offensive cast around Pickett.
Their offensive line hasn’t performed well and Najee Harris has looked worn down in year two.
It is unfair to Pickett to judge him on this season, with how bad the Steelers roster is around him.
Sitting at 2-6 the Steelers are well on their way to getting a top-10 pick this season.
They must use that pick to give Pickett some help.
Upgrading Their Roster
An offensive lineman feels like the optimal pick for the Steelers in this upcoming draft.
Plenty of rookie quarterbacks have struggled in their first seasons.
But, a good offensive line and skilled players have always been the best for young QBs.
The wide receivers in Pittsburgh are performing well with Diontae Johnson and George Pickens.
George Pickens on passes thrown by Kenny Pickett this season:
⚫️ 22 targets
🟡 17 catches
⚫️ 223 yards
🟡 1 TD
⚫️ 123.9 passer ratingChemistry 🧪 pic.twitter.com/31qDiffAKu
— PFF PIT Steelers (@PFF_Steelers) October 28, 2022
Also, tight end Pat Freiermuth seems to have good chemistry with Pickett.
The Steelers recently traded Chase Claypool to the Bears for a second-round pick.
That can be another top asset the Steelers use to rebuild their roster around Pickett.
Overall, this season in Pittsburgh is a difficult one.
The team will have trouble competing and all they can hope for is Pickett can stay upright and build confidence as the year goes on.
But, with a good supporting cast in Pittsburgh, their rookie QB is good enough to turn them into a contender.
