Steelers Now NFL Notebook, July 12

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🏈 11 a.m: Kenny Pickett is 24 years old and was labeled as the most pro-ready quarterback in this year’s draft, but former Steelers cornerback Bryant McFadden doesn’t envision Pickett starting in Week 1 when the Steelers take on the Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium.

“I don’t think so. And that’s not necessarily a knock on Kenny Pickett. It’s a lot for him to digest, as an NFL quarterback,” McFadden told the Maggie and Perloff show with Zach Gelb on Thursday via 93.7 The Fan. “Understanding the offense, understanding how the game is going — the flow of the game. I don’t expect to see him start in Week 1. Now could he start throughout the season? Potentially, if things aren’t going well with the offense and the flow of their QB. But right now? No, I don’t expect to see him start in Week 1.”

According to Adam Rank of NFL.com, there have been just seven quarterbacks selected 20th overall or later who actually started Week 1 of their rookie season since 2015. Three of the names include — Dak Prescott, Derek Carr and Russell Wilson. So, the odds are definitely in Mitch Trubisky’s favor to begin the season as QB1. Trubisky also got first-team reps during OTAs and minicamp, while Mason Rudolph got second-team reps and Pickett ran with the third-team.

“Trubisky, based on where he was coming from in Chicago, it’s night and day. It’s like ordering Salisbury steak your entire life and then, eventually, you get a taste of Kobe steak,” McFadden said. “If Trubisky is starting 17 games, we’re above .500 and in the playoffs. That means he’s playing good football, we’re scoring points, and we’re winning ball games … I’m okay with how Pittsburgh handled the QB room and tried to provide depth, competition. Right now, it’s Trubisky’s job to lose.”

McFadden also touched on the Steelers’ quarterback competition last month in an interview with Mike Asti of Steelers Now. McFadden is currently an analyst for CBS Sports.

Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Matt Canada (left) watches quarterback Kenny Pickett throw during rookie camp at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex.

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