Recapping the final results of the Pittsburgh Steelers' 2022 draft

PITTSBURGH – The 2022 NFL Draft is officially over for the Steelers and the other 31 teams in the NFL. After what was one of the most active and unpredictable drafts in league history, it's understandable if everyone needs a moment or two to catch their collective breath. So, r-e-l-a-x, pull up a chair, and […]

Evan Winter NFL Managing Editor
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Steelers draft

PITTSBURGH – The 2022 NFL Draft is officially over for the Steelers and the other 31 teams in the NFL. After what was one of the most active and unpredictable drafts in league history, it's understandable if everyone needs a moment or two to catch their collective breath.

So, r-e-l-a-x, pull up a chair, and recap the Steelers' 2022 draft results with us:

Round 1, Pick 20: QB Kenny Pickett, Pittsburgh Panthers

Many, including yours truly, wondered why the Steelers chose Pickett over Malik Willis with the 20th overall pick in the draft. We later found out that answer as Willis slid all the way to the Titans at 86 overall in the third round: Pickett's prowess in Mark Whipple's pro-style scheme has him more NFL-ready than the other quarterback prospects.

Plus, Pickett fits the mold of what offensive coordinator Matt Canada needs in his own scheme. Only time will tell if Pickett turns out to be the guy the Steelers imagine, but it sounds like the Steelers did all of the due diligence needed in making their most important draft decision in nearly 20 years.

Round 2, Pick 52: WR George Pickens, Georgia Bulldogs

Certain off-field issues -and a certain on-field issue– plus a torn ACL last March is what caused Pickens to fall to the Steelers at 52.

And the Pittsburgh offense is eons better because of it.

Pickens is one of the draft's top receivers due to his athleticism and versatility. He may even turn out to be no only the Steelers' best pick, but the best pick of the entire draft.

Pickens, Diontae Johnson, Chase Claypool, and Pat Freiermuth could easily form one of the NFL's best pass-catching quadrants in 2022. In fact, it's almost reasonable to expect that they should, at this point.

Round 3, 84 overall: DL DeMarvin Leal, Texas A&M Aggies

The returns of Stephon Tuitt and Tyson Alualu will pay big dividends in 2022, but heading into the draft, the Steelers needed not only insurance, but someone who can step in and take over on the defensive line in the future. Especially when considering the unfortuante fact that Cameron Heyward isn't getting any younger, either.

Leal not only adds depth to the rotation, he simultaneously provides a future plan for the defensive line, which is exactly what it needs in 2022 and beyond.

Steelers draft
DeMarvin Leal should be a great fit for the Steelers defense. Photo credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Round 4, No. 138: WR Calvin Austin III, Memphis Tigers

It's going to be really interesting to see how the Steelers use Austin in their offense. He's a dynamic, speedy playmaker that can be used on screens, deep passes, or any other play designs that take advantage of Austin's short-area quickness and lethal speed.

Not only does Austin round out an extremely diverse receiver room, he also adds potential as a punt/kick returner. If the Steelers choose use him as such, of course.

Round 6, No. 208: H-back Connor Heyward, Michigan State Spartans

This felt like a lock coming into the draft, didn't it?

And no, it has nothing to do with nepotism, although the Steelers now employ two different sets of brothers.

It has everything to do with how Heyward fits in Canada's offense, instead. He can play fullback, running back, tight end, and can also contribute on special teams. Heyward has the potential to save the Steelers two roster spots, at minimum. When you add in the fact that he's a sixth-round pick, the selection makes even more sense.

Round 7, No. 225: LB Mark Robinson, Ole Miss Rebels

The seventh round of the draft is where special teamers are found, but there's a lot more to like when it comes to Robinson.

For starters, linebackers coach Brian Flores is a huge fan and Flores knows what it takes to play the position at a high level. Secondly, Robinson was awfully impressive in his first -and only- year playing linebacker for the Rebels.

Robinson finished 2021 with the second-most solo tackles, fourth-most tackles for loss, and the fifth-most sacks on the Rebels defense. And again, that was his first year playing linebacker after converting from the running back position.

It sounds like Robinson is just scratching the surface of his potential and Flores noticed. The Steelers may end up with a draft steal, as a result.

Steelers draft
It sounds like Mark Robinson is just scratching the surface of his potential at linebacker. Photo credit: Bryan Lynn-USA TODAY Sports

Round 7, No. 241: QB Chris Oladokun, South Dakota State Jackrabbits

Why not go ahead and throw another quarterback into the mix? The Steelers have known nothing but Hall of Fame-like consistency since 2004, so why not make the 2022 quarterback search as chaotic as possible?

In all seriousness, it's very doubtful that Oladokun threatens even Mason Rudolph in 2022 or the near future. But, hey, the quarterback position is always worth the gamble -as long as it's not too extreme- so if the Steelers feel like they may be able to find something in Oladokun, then good for them.

Featured image via Kirby Lee-USA Today Sports