For fans of the Pittsburgh Steelers, the question of who leads the team from the quarterback position is, you know, always a big deal. It's a role that carries so much weight, a lot of history, and a ton of expectations. So, when people ask, "Who was the last quarterback drafted by the Steelers?", it's more than just a simple trivia question. It points to the team's strategy, their plans for the future, and how they see themselves moving forward. This particular question brings up a very recent and, in some ways, a quite interesting chapter in the team's long story.

The Steelers have, for many years, been known for stability at this key spot. They've had very few starting quarterbacks over several decades, which is pretty unusual in professional football. This tradition, frankly, makes every quarterback draft pick a moment to watch. It signals a shift, a new direction, or at least a thought about what comes next for the team.

So, who was that most recent player picked by the Steelers to take on this important role? The answer, as of the 2022 NFL Draft, is Kenny Pickett. His selection marked a new era, following the retirement of a legendary player. It was, you know, a very significant moment for the team and its fans, and it set off a lot of discussion about the future.

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Table of Contents

• The Last Pick: Kenny Pickett
• Kenny Pickett: Personal Details
• Pickett's Journey to the Steelers
• His Time with the Black and Gold
• The Steelers' Approach to Quarterback Drafting
• A Look Back at Steelers Quarterback Drafts
  • Terry Bradshaw: The First Overall Pick
  • Ben Roethlisberger: A Franchise Changer
  • Other Notable Quarterback Picks
• Why Drafting a Quarterback Matters So Much
• The Modern NFL Draft and Quarterbacks
• What's Next for the Steelers at Quarterback?
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
• Conclusion

The Last Pick: Kenny Pickett

The Pittsburgh Steelers made a big splash in the 2022 NFL Draft when they chose Kenny Pickett. He was picked in the first round, as the 20th overall selection. This pick was, you know, especially important because it came right after the retirement of Ben Roethlisberger, who had been the team's quarterback for nearly two decades. Pickett's arrival was seen as the start of a new period for the Steelers, a fresh attempt to find their next long-term leader.

Pickett came to the Steelers after a very strong college career at the University of Pittsburgh. He played his college games right there in the same stadium the Steelers call home, which is kind of cool, isn't it? This local connection, you see, made his draft pick even more special for the fans. People were really excited to see a familiar face stay in the city, ready to play for the professional team.

Kenny Pickett: Personal Details

Here's a quick look at some key facts about Kenny Pickett, the last quarterback picked by the Steelers:

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Pickett's Journey to the Steelers

Kenny Pickett's path to the NFL was, you know, pretty much a steady climb. He played high school football in New Jersey, where he showed a lot of promise. He then went on to the University of Pittsburgh, where he spent five seasons. His time there was, in a way, a real growth story. He got better and better each year, which is something you really want to see in a young player.

His final college season, in 2021, was truly outstanding. He threw for over 4,300 yards and 42 touchdowns, which are very impressive numbers, really. He led the Pitt Panthers to an ACC Championship, and he finished in the top three for the Heisman Trophy, a huge award for college football's best player. This amazing senior year, you see, put him firmly on the radar of NFL teams, including the Steelers, who were looking for a quarterback.

The 2022 NFL Draft class for quarterbacks was, apparently, a bit different. There wasn't a clear top pick that year, like some other years have had. This meant teams had to really study each player carefully. The Steelers, having watched Pickett play so much at their home stadium, had a very good sense of his skills and his personality. They felt, quite strongly, that he was the right fit for their team's culture and future needs.

His Time with the Black and Gold

After being drafted, Kenny Pickett stepped into a big role for the Steelers. He started his rookie season as a backup, but he quickly took over as the main quarterback. He showed flashes of what he could do, making some big plays and leading the team in tough situations. It was, you know, a learning experience, as it always is for young players in the pros. He had to adjust to the speed and complexity of the NFL game, which is, honestly, a huge jump from college.

During his time with the Steelers, Pickett played in 25 games over two seasons. He showed toughness and a knack for making plays when it mattered most, especially in close games. He helped the team secure some important wins. However, like many young quarterbacks, he also faced challenges, including injuries and the usual ups and downs that come with playing such a demanding position. The team's offense, arguably, had its struggles during his tenure, and there were many discussions about how to improve it.

In March of 2024, the Steelers made a significant move, trading Kenny Pickett to the Philadelphia Eagles. This decision, you know, truly marked the end of his time as the Steelers' drafted quarterback. It was a surprising development for many fans, as it meant the team would once again be looking for a new long-term solution at the position. This move, in a way, highlights how quickly things can change in the NFL, even for a player drafted so high.

The Steelers' Approach to Quarterback Drafting

The Steelers, as a franchise, have a very distinct history when it comes to drafting quarterbacks. They are not a team that, you know, frequently picks quarterbacks in the first round. In fact, before Kenny Pickett in 2022, their last first-round quarterback pick was Ben Roethlisberger in 2004. And before him, it was Terry Bradshaw in 1970. This pattern, you see, shows a very patient and deliberate approach. They tend to stick with their chosen quarterback for a very long time once they find one they believe in.

This long-term commitment is, frankly, a hallmark of the Steelers' organization. They value stability and continuity. When they do draft a quarterback, especially early, it means they see that player as a potential cornerstone for many years. They invest in that player, giving them time to grow and develop. This philosophy is, you know, quite different from some other teams that might draft quarterbacks more often or move on from them more quickly.

Their history suggests that when the Steelers pick a quarterback, they are looking for someone who can be a leader, a face of the franchise. They want someone who fits their tough, blue-collar identity. This is why, you know, every quarterback draft pick, especially a high one, gets so much attention from fans and analysts alike. It's a rare event, and it speaks volumes about the team's vision for its future.

A Look Back at Steelers Quarterback Drafts

To truly understand the significance of Kenny Pickett's draft, it helps to look at some of the other quarterbacks the Steelers have picked over the years. Their draft history at this position, you know, tells a story of both incredible success and, sometimes, missed opportunities. It shows how hard it is to find that truly special player who can lead a team for a long time.

Terry Bradshaw: The First Overall Pick

Terry Bradshaw was the first overall pick in the 1970 NFL Draft. This was, you know, a massive moment for the Steelers. Bradshaw, a strong-armed quarterback from Louisiana Tech, went on to lead the team to four Super Bowl victories in a six-year span during the 1970s. He became a true legend of the game and a Hall of Famer. His pick, you see, set the standard for what a Steelers quarterback could achieve. He showed what a high draft pick at quarterback could mean for a franchise, bringing sustained success and a lot of championships.

Bradshaw's early years were, apparently, a bit rough, as is often the case for young quarterbacks. He made mistakes and faced criticism. But the Steelers stuck with him, and he grew into the leader they needed. This patience, frankly, paid off in a big way. His story is a great example of how a team's belief in its drafted quarterback can lead to historic results, and it's something the Steelers organization, you know, probably still thinks about when making these big decisions.

Ben Roethlisberger: A Franchise Changer

Ben Roethlisberger, picked 11th overall in the 2004 NFL Draft, also became a Steelers icon. He stepped in as a rookie and, you know, immediately started winning games. He led the team to two Super Bowl titles and appeared in another, playing for 18 seasons. His career was, in a way, just as impactful as Bradshaw's, solidifying the Steelers' reputation for having strong, long-lasting quarterback play. He was known for his toughness, his ability to extend plays, and his clutch performances.

Roethlisberger's selection was, you see, another instance where the Steelers invested a high draft pick in a quarterback, and it paid off immensely. He became the face of the franchise for nearly two decades, leading them through many successful seasons. His long tenure, arguably, highlights the Steelers' preference for finding a quarterback and sticking with him. It's a strategy that, for them, has brought a lot of winning seasons and championships.

Other Notable Quarterback Picks

While Bradshaw and Roethlisberger stand out, the Steelers have drafted other quarterbacks too, of course. Some, like Bubby Brister in the late 1980s, had periods as starters. Kordell Stewart, drafted in 1995, was a very exciting player known for his versatility, playing both quarterback and wide receiver early in his career before settling in as the primary signal-caller. These players, you know, had their moments, and they were important parts of the team's history.

More recently, the Steelers also drafted Mason Rudolph in the third round of the 2018 draft. He served as a backup for several seasons and had some starts when Roethlisberger was injured. These picks, you see, show that while the Steelers aim for long-term starters, they also draft quarterbacks to develop depth and to have options. It's not always about finding the next Hall of Famer, but sometimes about building a strong roster overall, which is, you know, pretty important too.

Why Drafting a Quarterback Matters So Much

Drafting a quarterback, especially in the early rounds, is a huge decision for any NFL team. It's arguably the most important position in all of team sports. A good quarterback can, you know, lift an entire team, making average players look better and turning losses into wins. They are the leaders on the field, making quick decisions, calling plays, and inspiring their teammates. That's why, you see, so much rides on getting this pick right.

For a team like the Steelers, who have enjoyed long periods of stability at quarterback, the pressure to find the right person is even greater. Fans are used to having a consistent, high-level player at the position. So, when a new quarterback is drafted, there's a lot of hope, a lot of analysis, and, frankly, a lot of discussion. It's about setting the course for the team's competitive future for years to come. The entire organization, you know, pretty much revolves around this one position.

The investment in a drafted quarterback isn't just about the draft pick itself. It's about the money, the coaching time, and the offensive system built around that player. It's a commitment that shapes the team's identity. So, when the Steelers picked Kenny Pickett, it was a signal of their belief in his ability to be that kind of foundational player. It was, you know, a very big step for them.

The Modern NFL Draft and Quarterbacks

The way teams draft quarterbacks has, you know, changed a bit over time. In today's NFL, the demand for good quarterbacks is higher than ever. Teams are often willing to trade away a lot of draft picks to move up and get a quarterback they really want. This shows just how valuable the position is seen now. The league is, apparently, very much a passing league, and having a strong arm and a sharp mind at quarterback is essential for success.

Also, the college game has evolved, preparing quarterbacks for the NFL in different ways. Many college offenses are now more similar to pro schemes, which can help young quarterbacks adjust more quickly. Still, the leap from college to the NFL is, you know, a very challenging one. The speed of the game, the complexity of defenses, and the pressure are all much greater. So, even with all the scouting and analysis, picking the right quarterback remains one of the hardest things to do in the draft.

Teams also look for more than just arm talent. They want leaders, players who are smart, and who can handle the spotlight. They want someone who can, you know, rally the team when things get tough. This makes the evaluation process very complex, looking at both the physical skills and the mental makeup of a player. The Steelers, in a way, have always valued these less tangible qualities, too.

What's Next for the Steelers at Quarterback?

With Kenny Pickett's departure in early 2024, the Steelers are, you know, once again facing questions at the quarterback spot. This means the team will be looking at its options very carefully. They might look to the upcoming NFL Draft for a new young player, or they might bring in a veteran quarterback through a trade or free agency. The situation is, honestly, quite fluid, and it makes the next few months very interesting for Steelers fans.

The team has shown it can build a strong roster around the quarterback position. They have a solid defense and good players on offense. The focus now will be on finding the right person to lead that group. It's a big decision, and it will shape the team's path for the next few seasons. Whether they draft another quarterback soon or go a different route, the goal is always to find someone who can help them compete for championships, which is, you know, the main thing for any team.

Fans will be watching closely to see what the Steelers do next. The history of the team shows they take their time with these decisions, and they usually aim for long-term solutions. So, whatever path they choose, it will be a thoughtful one, meant to put the team in the best possible position for future success. You can learn more about Steelers history on our site, and link to this page for more draft insights.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

People often have a lot of questions about the Steelers' quarterback situation, especially around draft time. Here are some common ones:

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

The Steelers last drafted a quarterback in the first round in 2022, when they selected Kenny Pickett as the 20th overall pick. This was, you know, a pretty significant event for the team, as it had been a while since their last first-round quarterback selection. Before Pickett, it