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Steelers Daily Links: Kenny Pickett Opens Up, Back-to-Back D Picks?

Published

1 year ago

April 4, 2023

The Pittsburgh Steelers went back-to-back defense with their first two picks in the latest mock draft from The 33rd Team and Kenny Pickett opened up about the death of his grandfather in the midst of his rookie season.

🏈 The 33rd Team has the Steelers selecting Penn State cornerback Joey Porter Jr. at 17th overall in their latest mock draft.

“The Pittsburgh Steelers keep it in the family and pick the son of one of their long-time players,” the 33rd Team wrote. “Joey Porter Jr. has outstanding length and does a great job crowding receivers, giving up almost nothing underneath. When you watch his film, you can see that Porter has many NFL traits, something growing up in an NFL family undoubtedly fostered.”

Iowa edge rusher Lukas Van Ness landed with the Steelers at 32nd overall in the mock, while Wisconsin center Joe Tippmann fell to Pittsburgh at No. 49. So the 33rd Team has the Steelers going all Big Ten with their first three picks.

🏈 Steelers.com: In a recent one-on-one interview with Teresa Varley, Kenny Pickett discussed playing with a heavy heart as he prepared for his first NFL start against the Buffalo Bills in Week 5. Pickett’s grandfather, Kenneth Pickett Sr., passed away on the Tuesday before the game.

“I got to talk to him after (the Jets game),” Pickett said. “He was able to see me play in the NFL. It was special. He always told me I would be doing exactly what I am doing ever since I can remember. He would take me to pro football games. He would take me to baseball games, hockey games. He was just a great person. I’m blessed to have two wonderful grandfathers in my life that helped raise me along with my parents.

“He passed before my first start as an NFL quarterback. That was tough having that happen in that moment. I went home after the game, drove home with my family after the game for the services and got to spend some time with my family and be grateful and appreciative for how much time we had with him. And it was special he got to see my first big-time action in the NFL.”

🏈 Former Steelers inside linebacker Vince Williams believes there’s a place for taunting in sports. This comes on the heels of Angel Reese’s “You Can’t See Me” gesture at Caitlin Clark in the NCAA women’s basketball championship game that had the entire sports world buzzing. “There is 100% a place for taunting in sports,” Williams tweeted. “Sports are a marriage of competition and entertainment. Showmanship is a huge part of it. No it’s not enough to just win, the way you win absolutely matters. You have to be provocative and polarizing.” Williams also tweeted that Steelers fans loved the AFC North rivalries with the Ravens and Bengals, and it wasn’t purely because of the beautiful football being played.

🏈 Pro Football Focus posed the question on Twitter, “Who is the best wide receiver since 2000?” The receivers listed were Antonio Brown, Randy Moss, Terrell Owens, Calvin Johnson, Julio Jones, Steve Smith Sr. and Larry Fitzgerald.

🏈 New Steelers nose tackle Breiden Fehoko revealed that he’ll wear No. 96 with Pittsburgh.

🏈 BetOnline: The Steelers have a 37.7% chance to make the playoffs in 2023, which comes in as the 17th-best odds in a 32-team league.

🏈 Kenny Pickett continues to work with his personal quarterback coach Tony Racioppi this offseason. Pickett and Racioppi were down in South Florida for several weeks, but it appears they’re now back in New Jersey.

“Pittsburgh Steelers QB Kenny Pickett working Gun 5 and Reset with Dovetail to make a straight, balanced throw with anticipation, accuracy and throwing a rope to 20yd Seam/Bench Route by NFL FA WR Gene Coleman,” Racioppi tweeted.

Pittsburgh Steelers QB Kenny Pickett working Gun 5 and Reset with Dovetail to make a straight, balanced throw with anticipation, accuracy and throwing a rope to 20yd Seam/Bench Route by NFL FA WR Gene Coleman. @TEST_Football @kennypickett10 @Cole5imba @steelers #steelers #qb pic.twitter.com/gicM2F3jgt

— Tony Racioppi (@Tonyrazz03) April 3, 2023