Three reasons to be optimistic about the Steelers

Kenny Pickett. Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Three reasons to be optimistic about the Pittsburgh Steelers

By Aaron Becker | Last updated 2/22/23

In 2022, the Steelers (9-8) just barely avoided their first losing season under head coach Mike Tomlin. Although there were a lot of ups and downs with starting a rookie quarterback, the team ended the season on a high note. Here are three reasons to be optimistic about Pittsburgh in 2023.

1. Second year of Kenny Pickett and George Pickens

The Steelers seemed to have hit on their first two picks from the 2022 NFL Draft. Pickett, the only quarterback selected in the first round (20th overall), could be a franchise QB.

He started beginning in Week 5, throwing eight interceptions in his first five games. However, he turned his season around, throwing for five touchdowns and just one interception after the bye. He led the Steelers to a 6-2 record down the stretch and made a little history.

QB Kenny Pickett is the first rookie in NFL history to have a game-winning TD pass in the final minute in back-to-back games. pic.twitter.com/HrE2FDMwj2
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) January 5, 2023

Selected in the second round (52nd overall), Pickens may have been the steal of the draft. He had 801 yards receiving and four touchdown catches.

Pittsburgh is hopeful the two will continue to grow together and take another leap in their second seasons.

2. Healthy T.J. Watt

The outside linebacker missed seven games in 2022 due to a pec injury. The Steelers went 1-6 without the 2021 NFL Defensive Player of the Year and 8-2 with him.

The 28-year-old, who has yet to win a playoff game with Pittsburgh, has the entire offseason to get fully healthy. He's singularly focused on winning heading into his seventh season.

"I wanna do whatever it takes to win. I feel like we have a really good team here. We have a good nucleus. We have good, young talent," Watt said on "The Pat McAfee Show." "The time is now for us, and I feel like we can put it together."

3. Three draft picks in the top 50

The Steelers have a number of needs that must be addressed this offseason. But between free agency and the draft, they may be just fine. Pittsburgh has three picks in the top 50 of the 2023 NFL Draft, with selections at No. 17, No. 32 and No. 49.

At the trade deadline, GM Omar Khan completed a one-sided trade with the Bears, dealing underperforming WR Chase Claypool for a second-round pick. It's the No. 32 overall pick because the NFL docked Miami its first-round pick.

If Pittsburgh can hit on its first three picks, the team may find its way back into the playoffs in 2023.

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