Initial grades for all 7 of the Steelers 2022 draft picks

he Heisman Trophy finalist quarterback Kenny Pickett from Pittsburgh speaks at the 2021 Heisman Trophy finalist press conference at the Marriott Marquis Hotel on December 11, 2021 in New York City. (Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images)
he Heisman Trophy finalist quarterback Kenny Pickett from Pittsburgh speaks at the 2021 Heisman Trophy finalist press conference at the Marriott Marquis Hotel on December 11, 2021 in New York City. (Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images) /
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South Florida Bulls quarterback Chris Oladokun (10) Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
South Florida Bulls quarterback Chris Oladokun (10) Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /

The Steelers wrapped up their 2022 draft class with seven total selections, and here are some initial grades for the entire class.

The Steelers had an interesting group of selections in the 2022 draft class. Some big needs were addressed while some promising talent elsewhere was added. While only time will tell how good this class will end up being, I wanted to share my initial reactions and thoughts about the class. Here are my grades for the Steelers 2022 draft class.

Steelers pick 241

Grade: D+

I’m never a fan of picking quarterbacks late in the draft, as more often than not these players flame out and are playing in the USFL or XFL within a few years. While Chris Oladokun has some fun film and there is some obvious talent there, he has an uphill climb to even make the roster. The team likes to carry four quarterbacks through training camp, but after that, it will be a toss-up as to what happens with Oladunkun.

Known for his strong arm and highlight plays at a small school, there isn’t a lot wrong with him as a late-round prospect. He has good composure in the pocket and can scramble if needed. That said, most expected him to go undrafted. After already spending the top pick on a quarterback, adding another one felt unnecessary. That said, there isn’t a huge difference between an undrafted free agent and a late seventh-round pick.

A way that Oladunkun can see this grade instantly get boosted is if Mason Rudolph gets flipped sometime during training camp. That makes him the de facto third-string quarterback and suddenly a more valuable pick. If he was just drafted to be a camp arm though, it really is hard to get excited about this pick.