Pittsburgh Steelers: Final 2022 NFL Draft grade is in
The Steelers are receiving high marks for their performance in the 2022 NFL Draft. In his final draft for Pittsburgh, general manager Kevin Colbert found the Steelers their quarterback of the future, great value on a talented defensive lineman and bolstered the team’s receiving corps.
First, the Steelers chose Pitt quarterback Kenny Pickett in the first round with the No. 20 overall selection on Thursday. Mike Tomlin and company didn’t have to travel far to learn everything they needed to know about Pickett, and it’s evident they were fans of the quarterback.
Then, Pittsburgh turned their attention to the SEC, drafting a pair of talented athletes from the conference. In Round 2, the Steelers selected high-upside wide receiver George Pickens out of Georgia. Then, Texas A&M defensive lineman DeMarvin Leal heard his name called. While it was later than Leal originally thought he would be drafted, Pittsburgh isn’t complaining.
Finally, the Steelers continued to fill holes on Day 3. To begin, the historic franchise added another talented wideout, drafting Memphis wide receiver Calvin Austin III No. 138 overall. Then, the team added Michigan State tight end Connor Heyward, Mississippi linebacker Mark Robinson and South Dakota State quarterback Chris Oladokun over the rest of their draft.
Throughout, Chad Reuter of NFL Network graded the drafts of each franchise. In the end, the Steelers received a grade of an A– for their efforts. Continuing, the analyst praised the strong decisions made by Colbert.
“Kevin Colbert had an excellent final draft as the Steelers’ GM, getting value without trading away picks,” started Reuter. “He grabbed a future starting quarterback in the experienced, mobile Pickett, found a falling receiver in Pickens, who will be a playmaker, and took a shot on the potential upside of the long, athletic five-technique Leal in the third round.
“Austin’s a nice complement to Pickens in the early fourth round, and I projected Pittsburgh selecting Pro Bowler Cam Heyward’s brother, Connor, in the sixth round of my seven-round mock draft as a fullback/H-back. Oladokun has the mobility and arm to work his way into a roster spot this year or next, if he ends up on the practice squad for 2022. The team needed depth on defense, as well, but since no selections were made on that side of the ball, you can bet they will try to land some undrafted rookie free agents.”
As you can see, it isn’t hard to see why Reuter believes the Steelers had a solid draft. The future is looking bright in Pittsburgh as Kevin Colbert rides off into retirement.