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The Pittsburgh Steelers added some good pieces during the 2022 NFL Draft, but they likely won’t be fantasy players in this upcoming season. Before we dive into what impact these rookies could have on the Steelers in 2022, let’s look back at last season.
Last year, Pittsburgh brought in Najee Harris to be their franchise running back when they selected him 24th overall. The Steelers doubled up on offensive weapons by taking tight end Pat Freiermuth in the second round. Both pieces had solid rookie years and the future is bright.
Pittsburgh saw an era end with the retirement of quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. The Steelers signed free agent quarterback Mitch Trubisky to a two-year deal. Either he or incumbent backup Mason Rudolph figures to be the starting quarterback for the 2022 season. Even if a rookie quarterback is on the roster, he will likely sit his first year and look to being under center in 2023.
Steelers 2022 Draft selections
No. 20: Kenny Pickett, QB, Pitt
No. 52: George Pickens, WR, Georgia
No. 84: DeMarvin Leal, DE, Texas A&M
No. 138: Calvin Austin III, WR, Memphis
No. 208: Connor Heyward, FB, Michigan State
No. 225: Mark Robinson, LB, Ole Miss
No. 241: Chris Oladokun, QB, South Dakota State
Fantasy football impact
The Steelers didn’t have to look far to grab their quarterback of the future in Pitt QB Kenny Pickett. I wouldn’t expect him to be someone worth rostering as a rookie as veteran Mitchell Trubisky will most likely start the season as the starter.
Pickens is an extremely physical receiver recovered from an ACL tear just in time to participate in UGA’s national title victory last season. He’ll be of great help as a blocking receiver but fantasy users should wait before picking him off the waiver wire.
They picked up another wide receiver in the fourth round in Memphis wide receiver Calvin Austin III. It’s a Memphis skill position player, so you should probably get familiar with him sooner rather than later.