Steelers HC Mike Tomlin Joins The Rich Eisen Show and Explains Why He Chose QB Kenny Pickett 20th Overall

[Steeler Nation]

Wednesday, Pittsburgh Steelers‘ head coach, Mike Tomlin joined The Rich Eisen Show and shared his thoughts about what exactly attracted him to Pitt quarterback, Kenny Pickett in the 2022 NFL Draft.

Pickett was selected by the Steelers with the 2oth overall pick in the first round, and he’ll join a competitive quarterback room including newly signed Mitch Trubisky, and the ever-so patient, Mason Rudolph. Trubisky was signed by the Steelers via free agency in March 2022, while Rudolph has been the long-time backup to future Steelers Hall of Fame quarterback and recently retired, Ben Roethlisberger.

Pitt quarterback, Kenny Pickett hears his name called during the 2022 NFL Draft. | John McGonigal / PPG

Steelers know what they’re getting with Pickett​

“First of all, he had a couple elements of his game that were really attractive when you talk about the quarterback position,” Coach Tomlin said. “His ability to anticipate and his professional level accuracy. Often times, the college guys have a ways to go in those areas, and we talk about someone having a high floor at the quarterback position. Usually it’s because they’re ‘pro ready’ in those areas. And he was. We also had the proximity angle and we just had a birds-eye view of his growth and development in not only as a player, but as a person and as a leader. And he does the things that comes with the quarterback position in a very natural way. Whether it’s dealing with and leading teammates, whether it’s media responsibilities and so forth, none of that appears to be a chore for him. It happens in a very natural way and I think that that’s an asset to him.”

When asked about the first time Tomlin saw Pickett, Tomlin expressed how [the Steelers organization] runs into those guys [the University of Pittsburgh] quite often.

“Yeah, we run across those guys quite a bit in passing. In particular, just being neighborly. Over time, you learn who the quarterback is and so forth and so you can say ‘Hey,’ you know, ‘Good luck this week’ and things of that nature. And so he [Pickett] and I had an opportunity really over the course of three or four years to establish a real friendly and formal relationship, and kind of get to know each other without the ‘speed dating’ component of the draft process.”

Tomlin was also asked about the whole “small hands” issue pre-draft with Pickett, but that didn’t seem to bother he and the Steelers’ organization based on where Pickett played his college ball.

“I was potentially capable of buying into that if I didn’t watch him play college football in Pittsburgh and deal with the elements that comes with playing in this environment. So, you can get into the ‘hand size’ thing, or you can just look at how he performed in a variety of conditions. And we have those conditions here in Pittsburgh. So, there’s very little speculation from our perspective about how he might handle the ball in inclement weather, wet days, etc. They [University of Pittsburgh] played North Carolina here on a Thursday night. I actually went to the game and it was raining pretty good that night. Had no issues. And so, it was probably less of an issue for us [the Steelers organization] as it was just in terms of some of the draft chatter.”

Coach Tomlin was asked about the quarterback room too and how he thinks the upcoming competition will go this summer. You can tell Tomlin is looking forward to it.

“I expect it to be fierce, because I know all three guys [Trubisky, Rudolph, Pickett], I don’t expect anyone to take a backseat. The challenge is from a structure standpoint. Are we providing enough of a platform for all of the guys to show what they’re capable of, and so that’s what’s going to be the challenge component of it. I’m excited about watching these guys compete just like I am with any position we have viable options. So, you know, we’ll proceed with that understanding that you know, it’s going to be challenging for an organizational standpoint, but it’s a good challenge, and I’m excited about watching those guys perform.”

Separately, Tomlin was asked about another situation happening in the NFL where Tennessee Titans‘ quarterback, Ryan Tannehill was quoted saying that it’s “not his job” to mentor newly drafted Liberty quarterback, Malik Willis. Willis was being heavily linked to Pittsburgh prior to the draft, but ended up with the Titans as a third round selection. Tomlin was asked about his expectations with Trubisky and Rudolph possibly mentoring Pickett.

“It’s good when it occurs, but it’s certainly not necessary. That’s why we have offensive coordinators, quarterback coaches, assistant quarterback coaches — people are employed and their sole purpose is the development of players. Certainly, there’s growth and development opportunities and learning opportunities among players, but it is definitely not their function. Their function is to have themselves ready to go and be good teammates, and I think that’s probably what you speak to just in terms of providing common human decency and courtesy to someone if you can help them along the way. I’m sure Ryan is open that, but I think he was just stating the obvious that he’s not employed to do that. He’s employed to play quarterback.”

Coach Tomlin was also asked about newly drafted wide receiver, George Pickens, and the success Pittsburgh has had over the years in finding talent at the receiver position.

“First, we acknowledge that they come in all shapes and sizes, and they do. At that position, probably more than any other. And then you’re looking for distinguishing traits, and he [Pickens] has that. He’s a big guy, 6’3+, with ‘little guy’ body control. His ability to change direction, his ability to stop and start, his ability to drop his weight is like that of a much smaller man. And so that was the trait that really attracted us to him. He’s a competitor, he’s got easy hand, eye and ball skills, and obviously that’s a major component of the position as well.”

Tomlin finishes up by giving Steeler Nation the chances we see Pickett as the starting quarterback for the Steelers in the near future.

“You know, I’m open. I’ve learned to be. You know, when you’ve got red paint, man you paint your barn red. Man, if those guys are deserving, then we’ll play them. We played four rookies on offense last year because they were deserving. … Certainly, he’s [Pickett] not going to be excluded from the opportunity [of starting].”

Watch the full clip here:

"We just had a bird's-eye view of his growth and development, not only has a player but as a person, as a leader."

Candid chat today w/ @steelers @CoachTomlin about the selection of @kennypickett10 and if there'll be a QB competition at Training Camp this summer:#NFL #HereWeGo pic.twitter.com/zS3VoRiWws

— Rich Eisen Show (@RichEisenShow) May 4, 2022

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