Pittsburgh Steelers biggest winners and losers from the 2022 NFL Draft

Steelers draft winner: Matt Canada

The final big winner from the NFL Draft for the Steelers is Matt Canada. Unlike everyone else on this list, the final winner is not a player, but rather is the offensive coordinator. There have been plenty of criticisms from fans about Matt Canada since he was named the offensive coordinator, but the team had a bad offensive line, and an immobile quarterback, whose arm wasn’t what it once was.

The Steelers made strides to address the offensive line in free agency by bringing in James Daniels to start at guard, and Mason Cole to compete for the starting center job. Adding those two pieces to the offensive line definitely improves the unit, and while it may not be elite by any means, the team hopes that combined with the growth and progression of some of its established young pieces on the offensive line, the group will play much better this season.

When it comes to the draft, the team went all-in on making sure the offense was improved. The team drafted Kenny Pickett, who will compete with free agent signing in Mitch Trubisky. Whichever direction the team goes at quarterback will give the team a much better fit for Canada’s system, as both are above average athletes, whose mobility will add a new dimension to the offense. Add in the fact that both of them are much younger, and that having both provides the team with depth proves that this unit should help Canada implement what he wants to on offense.

Finally, the team brought in two wide receivers in the draft, as well as a new tight end/fullback to add even more weapons to the offense. The team selected George Pickens in the second round, and his ability to stretch the field and make contested catches with his big body adds plenty of value to the offense.

The team also spent a fourth-round selection on Calvin Austin III, who will provide the team with the elite speed that the offense lacks, as well as crisp route running. Add in Connor Heyward, and it’s easy to see why these three weapons, when added to the group of Diontae Johnson, Chase Claypool, Najee Harris, and Pat Freiermuth, provides starts at quarterback with a plethora of weapons. There are no more excuses for Canada, as all the pieces are in place for him to succeed this year in calling plays.

Clearly, the NFL Draft had a huge impact on the Steelers’ outlook for the 2022 season. While some were negatively impacted, many benefitted greatly from the draft, and the selections should help the Steelers improve as a whole.