LATROBE, PA (93.7 The Fan) – Heading into the first practice of Steelers Training Camp on Wednesday, rookie quarterback Kenny Pickett says he knows the quarterback rotation for now. At least to start practices.
"They laid it out for you in the media, coach laid it out the same way he laid it out to us," Pickett said. "There was a one, two, three and a four. That's the way it was in mini-camp and OTAs. We will see how it goes when mini-camp opens (Wednesday)."
It could be the same for the first few reps, first hour, the first week. How quickly the quarterbacks start separating themselves is up to their performances. It would appear Mitch Trubisky would have the upper-hand to start. Mike Tomlin said he won't over-manage or micro-manage the situation as to react to a player's practice every day.
What does Pickett think he needs to do to win the job when camp ends?
"Be consistent and play my game every day," Pickett said. "I'm just focused on getting better. That's a long way away coming from where I was in Spring learning the offense. I just want to compete and get better every day."
Pickett's not going to come out and say he deserves the job. He's not disrespecting anyone in the room, trying to learn as much as he can from his peers.
"You are a pro about it," Pickett said of the competition. "We are all friends and we are all competing and the best man is going to play at the end of the day. We are all out there competing, having fun and playing together."
Pickett said they all went their separate ways after mini-camp and OTAs ended. The Pitt All-American went back home to New Jersey to work with the same group he had before the NFL Draft. He did get some occasional time with Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth as his girlfriend lives about 15 minutes from Pickett's home.
Pickett is rooming with the seventh-round pick from the same draft class, quarterback Chris Oladokun. He said he appreciates the environment at St.
Vincent College believing it's a legendary place where they are all chasing greatness together.
As a team they will be together, but there can only be one starting quarterback. Pickett says he's just focused on playing right now and he's getting a good feeling for the Steelers offense.
"It's getting up there," Pickett said of his confidence in Matt Canada's system. "I spent a lot of time that we had off studying and preparing and getting ready for this moment and this camp. It's a little different when you go play."
"I want to get the reps under my belt and I think every day, like in the Spring, I will get better and better."
It's been 18 years since there has been a starting quarterback opening for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Pickett is working to change the order around before opening day in Cincinnati.
