Who Was The Last Quarterback Drafted By The Steelers? Unpacking The Recent Pick
For any football team, especially one with a storied past like the Pittsburgh Steelers, the choice of a quarterback in the draft is a truly big moment. This selection isn't just about adding a player to the roster; it's about finding someone who can lead the team, shape its identity, and hopefully, bring home big wins. Fans, you know, often hold their breath, hoping for that special talent who can be the face of the franchise for years to come. It's a decision that echoes through seasons, and so, the person chosen to be the team's signal-caller carries a lot of hope.
When we talk about "last" in this context, we mean the very final one, the person or thing that comes after everyone or everything else in a sequence. It describes something as being the ultimate in a series or the most recent happening of something. So, thinking about the Steelers' draft choices, we're looking for the one who appeared at the very end of their list of drafted quarterbacks, the one who was the last to be chosen, in a way.
So, who was that person? Who holds the distinction of being the most recent quarterback picked by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the NFL Draft? The answer is a name that has certainly been on the minds of many fans since his arrival, bringing a fresh wave of excitement and a new chapter for the team. That person, as a matter of fact, is Kenny Pickett.
Table of Contents
- The Most Recent Steelers Quarterback Pick
- The Draft Day Story
- Kenny Pickett's Journey So Far
- Steelers Quarterback Draft History: A Quick Look
- Common Questions About the Steelers QB Draft
- Final Thoughts on the Steelers QB Situation
The Most Recent Steelers Quarterback Pick
The Pittsburgh Steelers made a significant move in the 2022 NFL Draft when they selected Kenny Pickett. He stands as the last quarterback they've chosen in the draft, representing the most recent occurrence of them bringing in a new signal-caller through this particular process. This choice was, you know, a very important one for the team's path forward.
Kenny Pickett: A Brief Overview
Kenny Pickett, the answer to the question "Who was the last quarterback drafted by the Steelers?", came to the team from the University of Pittsburgh. His college career was, in a way, quite impressive, especially his final season. He really showed a lot of growth and skill during his time playing college football right there in Pittsburgh, which made him a familiar face to many fans.
During his last year at Pitt, Pickett had a breakout performance. He threw for a lot of yards and touchdowns, leading his team to a conference championship. This strong showing, arguably, put him firmly on the radar of NFL teams, including the Steelers, who were looking for their next leader after a long era with their previous star quarterback. He was, in some respects, a very compelling prospect.
Personal Details and Bio Data
Here's a quick look at some key details about Kenny Pickett, the Steelers' most recent quarterback draft pick:
| Name | Kenneth Shane Pickett |
| Born | June 6, 1998 |
| College | University of Pittsburgh |
| Draft Year | 2022 |
| Draft Round | 1 |
| Draft Pick | 20th overall |
| Team | Pittsburgh Steelers |
The Draft Day Story
The 2022 NFL Draft was, in a way, filled with anticipation for Steelers fans. With the long-standing quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger, stepping away from the game, the team faced a new challenge. They needed to find someone to take the reins, and the draft was the most direct path to finding that next person. It was a moment that, you know, truly shaped the team's immediate future.
Why the Steelers Chose Pickett
The Steelers' decision to pick Kenny Pickett at number 20 overall in the first round was, in a way, a very calculated move. There were a few reasons why he seemed like a good fit. First, his college campus was literally next door to the Steelers' facility, meaning he was already quite familiar with the city and its dedicated fanbase. This local connection, in some respects, made him a natural choice.
Beyond the local ties, Pickett showed many qualities that teams look for in a quarterback. He displayed good accuracy, the ability to make throws from different arm angles, and a knack for extending plays. His leadership on the field at Pitt was also, like, something that really stood out. The Steelers, it seemed, saw him as someone who could, you know, step into a big role and grow with the team.
The Impact of a First-Round QB
When a team picks a quarterback in the first round, it sends a strong message. It means they see that player as a potential franchise cornerstone, someone they are investing heavily in for the long term. For Kenny Pickett, being the last quarterback drafted by the Steelers, and a first-round pick at that, brought a significant amount of attention and, you know, very high expectations.
The pressure on a first-round quarterback is, basically, immense. Every throw, every decision, every game is watched closely by fans, media, and the team itself. It's a very challenging spot to be in, but it also offers a chance to make a real mark on the team's history. This kind of pick, you know, tends to define an era for a team.
Kenny Pickett's Journey So Far
Since being drafted, Kenny Pickett has been on a journey of learning and development. Stepping into the professional game is a big leap, and it takes time for any player, especially a quarterback, to adjust to the speed and complexity of the NFL. His first few seasons have been, in a way, a very important part of his growth as a player.
On-Field Moments and Progress
Pickett's time on the field has included a mix of bright spots and, you know, moments of challenge. He took over the starting job during his rookie season, showing flashes of his potential with some exciting plays and game-winning drives. There have been times when he's made really impressive throws under pressure, demonstrating his ability to handle big situations.
Like any young player, he's also faced some tough times, learning from mistakes and working to improve. The process of becoming a top-tier NFL quarterback is, honestly, a marathon, not a sprint. Fans have seen him, in some respects, work hard to refine his skills and build chemistry with his teammates, which is very important for any offense. This ongoing progress is, you know, what everyone hopes to see.
Looking Ahead to the Future
The future for Kenny Pickett and the Steelers is, basically, something that everyone is watching closely. His development will be key to the team's success in the coming years. Fans are eager to see him continue to grow, make more big plays, and lead the team to consistent victories. The hope is that he can, you know, truly solidify his role as the long-term answer at quarterback.
The team will continue to build around him, providing him with the support and pieces he needs to thrive. It's a very exciting time for the Steelers, as they work to shape their future with Pickett at the helm. What happens next, you know, will certainly be interesting to watch unfold.
Steelers Quarterback Draft History: A Quick Look
While Kenny Pickett is the last quarterback drafted by the Steelers, the team has, obviously, a long history of bringing in signal-callers through the draft. Over the years, they've picked many quarterbacks, some who went on to become legends and others who had shorter stints. This history shows just how important the position is to the team's overall identity and how rare it is to find a truly enduring star.
Before Pickett, the Steelers had drafted other quarterbacks, but none in the first round since Ben Roethlisberger back in 2004. That long gap, you know, highlights the significance of the Pickett pick. It's a testament to how stable the position was for so long with Roethlisberger leading the way. Knowing this, it really puts into perspective what it means to be the "last" one chosen in this very important role.
You can learn more about the Steelers' draft history and all their picks on our site. Learn more about the Steelers draft history on our site. Also, for more detailed information on Kenny Pickett's college career, you can check out his profile on NFL.com.
Common Questions About the Steelers QB Draft
People often have questions about the Steelers' quarterback draft choices, especially given the team's recent moves. Here are a few common ones, with some insights:
When was Kenny Pickett drafted by the Steelers?
Kenny Pickett was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2022 NFL Draft. He was the 20th overall pick in the first round. This was, you know, a very recent draft, making him the most current quarterback addition through that process.
Has Kenny Pickett been the only quarterback drafted by the Steelers in the first round recently?
Yes, Kenny Pickett is the only quarterback the Steelers have drafted in the first round in quite a while. Before him, the last time they picked a quarterback in the first round was Ben Roethlisberger in 2004. So, his selection was, you know, a pretty rare event for the team.
How many quarterbacks have the Steelers drafted in total?
The Steelers have drafted many quarterbacks over their long history, certainly more than just a handful. While an exact number would require a very detailed look at every single draft class, they have consistently used draft picks to try and find talent at the position throughout the decades. Every single one of those picks, you know, was an attempt to find the next great leader.
Final Thoughts on the Steelers QB Situation
The selection of Kenny Pickett as the last quarterback drafted by the Steelers marks a significant point in the team's history. It represents a new era, following a long period of stability at the position. His journey, as a matter of fact, is just beginning, and fans are eager to see how he continues to develop and lead the team.
The importance of this pick can't be overstated. It's not just about one player; it's about the direction of the entire franchise. What do you think about Kenny Pickett's future with the Steelers? Share your thoughts and predictions with us! We'd love to hear your perspective on this very important topic. You can learn more about quarterback development on our site.
Everything old is new again with Steelers quarterbacks - Yahoo Sports
Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger first game played, Sept. 19, 2004
The last time the Steelers started 3-7, they drafted Ben Roethlisberger
