Pittsburgh Steelers Draft Grades
In a year where the Pittsburgh Steelers were not expected to compete for a 2021 playoff position, they proved everyone wrong by going 9-7-1 and making the playoffs as a wildcard team. They would go on to lose in the wildcard round to the Kansas City Chiefs, which then led to the retirement of franchise quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. General Manager Kevin Colbert’s last offseason was centered around finding the next franchise quarterback and filling roster spots after losing players such as WR JuJu Smith-Schuster, WR James Washington, G Trai Turner, and CB Joe Haden. Let’s take a look at the 2022 Steelers Draft Grade!
Round 1, Pick 20: Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh
Pickett was considered the most NFL-ready quarterback in this draft class by most teams and scouts. The questions that surrounded his draft stock were, could he continue the success he had at Pittsburgh during the 2021-22 season and would his hand size affect how teams viewed him? During the 2021-22 season, Pickett had a record-breaking season recording career highs in all passing categories. In the seasons before, he looked somewhat mediocre throwing only 13 touchdowns during each of his first three seasons as a Panther. The Steelers are hoping they get the 2021-22 version of Pickett who can come in and start right away even with Mitch Trubisky on their roster. If Pickett can beat Trubisky out as the starter and plays well as a rookie, the Steelers have set themselves up for the next 15-20 years. If not then they will be drafting a new QB next year.
Grade: B+
Round 2, Pick 52: George Pickens, WR, Georgia
Pickens would have been one of the top receivers in this year’s draft if it wasn’t for his extensive injury history. As a freshman at Georgia, he led the team in receptions (49), receiving yards (727 yards), and touchdowns (8). Over the next two years, he would go on to suffer multiple lower-body injuries that would cause him to miss one game during the 2020 season. They would also cost him the majority of the 2021 season. The Steelers are hoping Pickens can stay healthy and develop into one of their top wide receivers on the depth chart. The talent is there with Pickens, staying healthy will be key for him to have a successful NFL career.
Grade: B
Round 3, Pick 84: DeMarivn Leal, DT, Texas A&M
DeMarvin Leal could be considered a steal from where he was drafted. At the beginning of the college football season, Leal was considered one of the top defensive linemen in the nation. After having an up and down type of season for the Aggies, Leal’s draft stock began to drop due to his lack of production on the field. Leal is a defensive end, but he has the versatility to play as an interior defensive lineman as well. The Steelers will look to move him around to get the most out of him on defense. He will contribute to the Steeler’s defense right away. Colleague Ken Noble says “He is the perfect heir apparent to Heyward.”
Grade: A+
Round 4, Pick 138: Calvin Austin lll, WR, Memphis
The Steelers continued to add weapons to their receiving core. Drafting Calvin Austin lll in the fourth round of the NFL Draft was a good play. Austin is a pure speed receiver who will shine as a slot receiver to start off his career. At Memphis he was used in many ways, but lined up most of the time as an outside receiver. He also contributed to special teams as a punt returner. Austin will help give the Steelers a downfield threat to add to Chase Claypool and second-round pick George Pickens.
Grade: B
Round 5, Pick 208: Conner Heyward, TE/FB, Michigan State
Conner is the younger brother of Cameron Heyward. Conner is a versatile tight end that can line up on the line of scrimmage or in the backfield as a fullback. Heyward is a good athlete for his size, he can catch the ball out of the backfield, and he is not afraid to block bigger defenders. Heyward also can line up as a running back in short-yardage situations. It’ll be interesting to see how the Steelers use him in their offense.
Grade: C+
Round 6, Pick 225: Mark Robinson, LB, Ole Miss
Before switching to linebacker for a year, Mark Robinson had played running back for the first few years of his college career. When he made the switch, Robinson was able to show off speed, athleticism, toughness, and physicality. Traits that the Steelers were looking for to add to their depth at their linebacker position. I predict he will contribute on special teams to start off his career and serve in a rotational role as he progresses.
Grade: C
Round 7, Pick: Chris Oladokun, QB, South Dakota State
Oladokun is an athletic quarterback prospect that needs time to develop his technique at the position. He will possibly be the fourth quarterback on the depth chart. Sitting behind possible starters Mitch Trubisky, Kenny Pickett, and Mason Rudolph. He should take this time to learn all he can to stay on the roster during training camp. The Steelers’ selection of Oladokun shows that they plan to move on from either Trubisky or Rudolph sometime soon.
Grade: C-
Steelers Draft Grade Overall: B
The Steelers did well trying to fill holes on their roster through the draft. They addressed the quarterback position by adding both Kenny Pickett, and Chris Oladokun. Pickett will possibly be the starter if he is able to beat Mitch Trubisky out for the job. The Steelers then added more weapons by drafting George Pickens and Calvin Austin lll. Both players are projected to be early contributors on the offensive side of the ball. What possibly may be the steal of the draft was the Steelers drafting DeMarvin Leal in the third round.
Leal was a projected first-round pick at the beginning of the season. His draft stock took a hit due to a lack of production during the season. If he can resume the play that had him listed as a first-round pick, the Steeler’s defense will return to its old form in no time. In my opinion, out of the seven draft picks made by the Steelers, they were able to gain four possible starters to their roster. If the other three players drafted in the late rounds can make an impact on the team, don’t be surprised to see Pittsburgh back on top of the AFC.
Steelers Draft Grade Analyst- Michael Williams.
