Is Kenny Pickett a Sleeper MVP Candidate?

After moving on from Big Ben, the Pittsburgh Steelers started the process of finding their new future franchise quarterback. Roethlisberger gave all his blood, sweat, and tears in an 18 year span, while bringing the city two Super Bowls. Some star quarterbacks don’t even get the opportunity to win one. The narrative only fits a special group of players that fit in that realm. Ben was considered an MVP quarterback many times, but never achieved or received the honor. So what if that unexpectedly changes, soon? 

In the 2022 NFL Draft, the Steelers went all in on next door neighbor and Former Pittsburgh Panthers Quarterback, Kenny Pickett. 

They had already missed out on Dan Marino in the 1983 Draft, so they weren’t going to miss out on this chance. With the way the league is changing into the “Mobile Quarterback Era” it was their objective to get a guy that can extend plays not only via the pass, but on the run as well. 

Guys like Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen, and Jalen Hurts are players that are changing the way people scheme against offenses every single week. The offense is built around their style of play to determine whether they will go to the run or pass option. The Steelers want to have a guy that can get out of the pocket, prevent sacks, and always keep the defense on their toes - because in 2023, those are the guys competing for Lombardi’s.

Last year, Pickett was brought in for his first action against the New York Jets in Week 4. It definitely was not the best game statistically that you could’ve asked for, but he did provide a spark. He finished the game 10/13 with 120 yards passing, 15 yards rushing, 2 rushing touchdowns, and 3 interceptions. You could tell the team rallied around him even in spite of throwing 3 interceptions. He’s a guy that clearly wants to win in this league and be one of the best to ever do it. He has the mentality, grit, and knowledge to get him to where he wants to be on that all-time level. He is not going to be spectacular off the jump; it will take growth and development. Just look at last year.

As the 2022-23 season progressed, Pickett gained more of a feel of the offense, as he led multiple clutch game winning drives against the Baltimore Ravens and Las Vegas Raiders. Pickett finished last year with a 63.0 Completion Percentage, 2,404 passing yards, 237 rushing yards, 7 passing touchdowns, 3 rushing touchdowns, 9 interceptions, and 3 fumbles in 13 games played.

Moving into his sophomore year, Kenny has mentioned that he wants to take ownership of the offense. Some new weapons have been added to the squad for him to develop around like Allen Robinson, who he has worked with plenty this offseason to build a strong connection. When you also have guys like George Pickens, Diontae Johnson, and Pat Freiermuth, it makes spreading the ball around easy with these special talents receiving double coverage on the regular. Also, people forget that Pickett is continuing to play his career in a stadium that he has been competing in ever since starting his college career as a Pittsburgh Panther. Talk about comfort?

If Pickett wants to become a MVP type caliber player, this is a huge year to prove that he can be mentioned with those collective individuals. The young and explosive talent the offense has can compete with any team in the league. The Pickett Fence is being developed as we speak, and if they can put the right guys in the right spots, Kenny will have all the time he needs to make off-script scrambles, deep ball completions, and adjust to new plays down the stretch in audible situations. Matt Canada would be sadly mistaken not to allow him to take charge and set this offense on a new pathway to greatness. The 25 year old has numerous skills to display in a better form now that he has a year of NFL experience under his belt. Can he stand out amongst the Mahomes, Allen’s, and Lamar’s that are continuing to be the face of the league today? 

Crazy yinzers should allow his play on the field to dictate that argument. Finally, my statistical prediction for Kenny Pickett’s 2023-24 season is 73.2 Completion Percentage, 4,200 Passing Yards, 400 Rushing Yards, and 30 Total Touchdowns. 

Take it to the bank!