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Mike Tomlin ‘excited’ to see Kenny Pickett’s growth in sophomore season

Griffin Crest / NFL / March 27, 2023

Kareem Elgazzar/The Enquirer-USA TODAY NETWORK

Mike Tomlin ‘excited’ to see Pickett’s growth in second season

Since the Pittsburgh Steelers selected him 20th overall in last year’s draft, a lot has been made of starting quarterback Kenny Pickett. Is the hometown hero the future for the Black and Gold? Well, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin is convinced. Tomlin is “excited” to see Pickett’s growth in his sophomore season after a 7-5 record last season, according to theScore.

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Pickett added a spark to the Steelers’ offense last season. Even with a poor debut of three interceptions and two rushing touchdowns, Pickett advanced later in the season. He would later go onto win five of his last six games, showing promise of winning to Tomlin.

“I’m excited about Kenny individually in terms of the growth that he’s capable of making … and what he’s willing to do to realize that,” Tomlin said according to ESPN’s Brooke Pryor. “I think I’m probably more excited about that because I’ve just been around him intimately now for 12 months.”

Pickett was the first quarterback taken off the board when the Steelers and Tomlin selected him in the first round following a breakout year with Pittsburgh University in his final season there. Pickett had 42 passing touchdowns and only seven interceptions that final year. We also know Pickett for his legs, rushing for 241 yards and five touchdowns.

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Pickett would also have a rule named after him in college after faking a slide in the 2021 ACC Championship Game: the “Kenny Pickett Rule.” This rule states that any ball carrier who fakes a foot-fist slide will be down at the spot.

Pickett will look to add to his career after a promising rookie season with the Steelers. Along with Tomlin, the rest of the Steelers roster, management, and coaching staff should be excited to see Pickett’s growth.

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