Who Was The Last Quarterback Drafted By The Steelers? A Look At The Recent Pick

For fans of the Pittsburgh Steelers, the question of who leads the team from the quarterback position is always something that truly matters. After years with a legendary player at the helm, there's a natural curiosity about who steps up next, especially when it comes to draft picks. People often wonder about the future of the team, and that starts with the players brought in through the draft.

So, if you've been asking yourself, "Who was the last quarterback drafted by the Steelers?" the answer might just bring a smile to your face if you follow college football in the region. The Pittsburgh Steelers, as a matter of fact, used their first-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft to select Kenny Pickett, a quarterback from the University of Pittsburgh.

This selection was a pretty big deal, you know, for the team and its supporters. It marked a significant moment in the franchise's history, bringing in a young player to potentially guide the team for years to come. It really shows a clear direction for the team's future, and fans are quite excited about it.

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Table of Contents

• Meeting Kenny Pickett: The Steelers' Latest Quarterback Draft Pick
  • A Young Player's Journey to Pittsburgh
  • College Career Highlights
  • Draft Day Story: Coming Home
  • What His Arrival Means for the Team
• The Steelers' Quarterback Draft History: A Look Back
  • A Tradition of Stability
  • Notable Quarterback Drafts Over the Years
• Frequently Asked Questions About Steelers Quarterbacks

Meeting Kenny Pickett: The Steelers' Latest Quarterback Draft Pick

Kenny Pickett stands as the most recent quarterback chosen by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the NFL Draft. His selection came in the 2022 draft, making him a truly important figure for the team's plans moving forward. This pick was quite notable because it was a first-round choice, something the Steelers haven't done for a quarterback in quite some time, as we'll talk about a bit later.

A Young Player's Journey to Pittsburgh

Kenny Pickett's path to the NFL is, in some respects, a story of local connection and steady progress. He played his college football right there in Pittsburgh, for the University of Pittsburgh Panthers. This meant he was already quite familiar with the city, its people, and the passionate football culture. It was, you know, almost like a homecoming even before he officially joined the Steelers.

Born on June 6, 1998, in Oakhurst, New Jersey, Pickett showed promise early on. He went to Ocean Township High School before making his way to Pitt. His time there prepared him for the big stage, and he grew into a leader on the field. This background gave him a solid base, you might say, for professional football.

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Personal Details: Kenny Pickett

College Career Highlights

Pickett's college career at the University of Pittsburgh really took off in his final season, the 2021 campaign. He had been a consistent player for the Panthers, but that year, he showed truly remarkable improvements. He became a Heisman Trophy finalist, which is a very big honor in college football, as a matter of fact.

During that standout year, he set numerous school records, including those for passing touchdowns and passing yards. His ability to make plays, both with his arm and his legs, was something that really stood out to scouts and fans alike. He led the Panthers to an ACC Championship, a significant achievement for the program, you know.

His performance against top college teams showed he could handle pressure and deliver when it counted. This kind of experience is, basically, what NFL teams look for in a quarterback prospect. He demonstrated a good feel for the game, and a knack for finding open receivers, even when things got a little hectic on the field.

Draft Day Story: Coming Home

The 2022 NFL Draft was, in a way, a day of destiny for Kenny Pickett and the Steelers. Many thought the team might look for a quarterback, especially with Ben Roethlisberger retiring. There was a lot of talk about which young signal-caller the Steelers might choose, and if they would even pick one in the first round.

When the Steelers' pick at number 20 came up, the announcement of Kenny Pickett's name sent a wave of excitement through the city. It was a rather unique situation, as Pickett was already a familiar face to Pittsburgh sports fans. He had played his college games in the same stadium where the Steelers play their home games, which is pretty cool.

This local connection made his draft day story even more special. It felt like a natural fit, almost like he was always meant to wear the black and gold. The transition from Pitt Panther to Pittsburgh Steeler was, you know, a dream come true for him and a source of hope for the team's faithful followers.

What His Arrival Means for the Team

Kenny Pickett's arrival means a fresh start for the Steelers at the quarterback position. After years of stability with a long-tenured veteran, the team is now looking to a new generation. This brings a mix of excitement and anticipation for what the future holds, as any new era usually does.

His presence provides a young, talented player around whom the offense can be built. The Steelers, basically, have a history of developing quarterbacks, and Pickett represents their latest project. The hope is that he can grow into a franchise quarterback, someone who can lead the team to many victories and, perhaps, even championships.

Fans are eager to see him develop, and the coaching staff is surely working to help him refine his skills. The team's strategy seems to be focused on building around him, giving him the tools and support he needs to succeed. It's a new chapter, and everyone is pretty much watching to see how it unfolds. You can learn more about NFL draft strategies on our site, and link to this page for more team specifics.

The Steelers' Quarterback Draft History: A Look Back

Looking at the Steelers' history of drafting quarterbacks gives us a good perspective on Kenny Pickett's selection. The team hasn't, in fact, always used high draft picks on the position, especially in the first round. They've often preferred to build through other positions or find value later in the draft.

A Tradition of Stability

One thing that stands out about the Steelers is their tradition of quarterback stability. They've had only a handful of long-term starting quarterbacks over many decades. This is quite unlike many other NFL teams, which often see a lot of turnover at the position, you know.

Terry Bradshaw, for example, led the team for years in the 1970s and early 80s, bringing multiple Super Bowl titles. Then came players like Neil O'Donnell, and later, Ben Roethlisberger, who also had a very long and successful career. This pattern of having a consistent presence at quarterback is, frankly, a hallmark of the Steelers organization.

This stability means that when the Steelers do draft a quarterback, especially in the early rounds, it's often with the idea that this player could be the next long-term leader. It's not a decision they take lightly, and it tends to be a well-thought-out move for the future.

Notable Quarterback Drafts Over the Years

Before Kenny Pickett, the Steelers had drafted quarterbacks in various rounds over the years. Terry Bradshaw was a first-overall pick in 1970, which was a pretty significant moment for the franchise. After that, however, first-round quarterbacks were a rare sight for a long time.

Ben Roethlisberger, drafted 11th overall in 2004, was another truly important first-round pick who went on to have a Hall of Fame-worthy career. His selection marked the last time the Steelers took a quarterback in the first round before Pickett. This gap of nearly two decades between first-round quarterback picks really highlights how unusual Pickett's selection was, you know.

Other quarterbacks have been drafted in later rounds, with some serving as backups or getting a chance to start for a short time. These later-round picks sometimes develop into solid players, but the high-stakes first-round picks are usually reserved for players seen as potential cornerstones of the team for a very long time. This history shows that when the Steelers invest early in a quarterback, they are, basically, making a statement about their long-term vision. For more historical context on NFL drafts, you might find information on sites like NFL.com's Draft Central helpful.

Frequently Asked Questions About Steelers Quarterbacks

People often have questions about the Steelers' quarterback situation, especially regarding their draft choices. Here are some common inquiries:

When did the Steelers last draft a quarterback in the first round?

The Pittsburgh Steelers last drafted a quarterback in the first round in 2022, when they selected Kenny Pickett with the 20th overall pick. Prior to that, their last first-round quarterback was Ben Roethlisberger in 2004, so it was a rather long wait for another one.

How many quarterbacks have the Steelers drafted in the first round?

The Steelers have drafted a quarterback in the first round only a few times in their history. Notable first-round quarterback picks include Terry Bradshaw (1970), Ben Roethlisberger (2004), and Kenny Pickett (2022). This shows a very selective approach to picking quarterbacks early in the draft, you know.

What college did Kenny Pickett play for?

Kenny Pickett played his college football at the University of Pittsburgh. He was a standout player for the Pitt Panthers, especially in his final season in 2021, which led to his selection by the Steelers.

So, the last quarterback drafted by the Steelers was Kenny Pickett, chosen in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft. His arrival marks a new chapter for the team, bringing a fresh face to the most talked-about position in football. Fans are, you know, really looking forward to seeing how his career unfolds with the black and gold. It's a truly exciting time for the team and its supporters, and the journey ahead is something everyone is watching with great interest.