The Steelers got talented prospects in the draft and they are getting compared to some NFL players.
The Steelers have been able to add to their retooling club throughout the offseason. They were able to continue doing so during the draft and filled some holes on the roster. They added a young quarterback into the mix and brought in talent for key positions like receiver and defensive line.
Adding a player like Kenny Pickett in the first round is a gamble, but that is how things go when you are searching for your next franchise signal-caller. No matter if scouts think a player at the position is a slam dunk or not, it is always a gamble. They decided that was a fair shot and got a player that they think will be a good option for the future of this franchise.
Getting replacements for JuJu Smith-Schuster and James Washington was another thing on the to-do list. They neglected to address this in free agency, but they had the draft fall correctly for them. George Pickens and Calvin Austin III were their choices and that will fill out the receiver room nicely.
Completing the draft by adding a young defensive lineman that seems promising to take over a starting role eventually was another great pick with DeMarvin Leal. Bringing in some special teams’ competition with Connor Heyward and Mark Robinson was another thing that the team felt was something they had to add. One last quarterback was added with their last pick to hopefully come in and provide competition for that third-string spot.
Looking into NFL comparisons is tricky to look at. Each player is their own unique individual that could either exceed or diminish these comparisons. They are strictly just based on what people have seen during the pre-draft process and how they reminded these players of.
1.20: Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh
Kenny Pickett will have all eyes on him during the pre-season process after being the first quarterback taken by the Steelers in the first round since Ben Roethlisberger. It will be a challenge that many rookie quarterbacks have handled differently with either success or failure. Mitch Trubisky seems like he will take some pressure off of Pickett, but this rookie should be starting at some point in 2022.
Derek Carr, QB, Las Vegas Raiders
This might be one of the more popular ones that some evaluators have used with Pickett. It is a fair comparison as they have similar tools that help them in the NFL. They have some underrated mobility that can help them extend plays and a strong enough arm to lead an offense in this league. It seems like Pickett’s ceiling is when Derek Carr plays his best football and that’s a good starter in the NFL.
Teddy Bridgewater, QB, Miami Dolphins
Teddy Bridgewater was another comparison when he was coming out of college. He has some mobility with a better accuracy range than some in their respective draft classes. This would be something that many expect more from Pickett as an above-average starter in the NFL if he doesn’t pan out as well.
Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Miami Dolphins
Tua is the last comparison listed for this article. Both are mobile and have a running element to their game. Both quarterbacks could be seen as having the same arm strength today, but Tua did have a projected arm strength that was higher than Pickett’s coming out of college.
2.52: George Pickens, WR, Georgia
George Pickens is a player that has his own type of personality. His skills on a football field are undeniable and that is why he was the second-round selection by the Steelers. He creates space and finds ways to make explosive catches for an offense.
A.J. Green, WR, Arizona Cardinals
A.J. Green is a great comparison for this player when it comes to their size and athleticism. Both measured extremely close and could produce the same kind of career in the NFL.
Mike Williams, WR, Los Angeles Chargers
Mike Williams was another comparison handed out by an evaluator and that seems like a fair one. Williams is a little bigger, but both seem like they are borderline top options at a receiver heading into their rookie seasons.
3.84: DeMarvin Leal, DE, Texas A&M
DeMarvin Leal was the best value pick by the Steelers when you look at their entire draft class. He is a young player that has produced well in college and has his best days of football ahead of him. He could become like a Stephon Tuitt type.
Jerry Tillery, DT, Los Angeles Chargers
Jerry Tillery is a fair comparison as they fit the same mold heading into the league. He has not been as successful as others but did turn into a starter and depth piece for the Chargers defense. This seems like it could be the comparison if Leal doesn’t pan out as well.
Stephon Tuitt, DE, Pittsburgh Steelers
Stephon Tuitt would be the comparison that might shock some. Both were good athletes coming out of college and around the same production as well. This would be a great addition if Leal gets close to what Tuitt has become.
4.138: Calvin Austin, WR, Memphis
Calvin Austin III was another high-value pick by the Steelers when they selected him in the fourth round. They got a speedy receiver option that plays a good amount of snaps in the slot. He will be a contributor on day one in different packages.
Taylor Gabriel, WR, Atlanta Falcons (former)
Taylor Gabriel is a fair comparison based on the size of the player. Somehow Austin is taller than Gabriel actually is. He had a decent career with multiple seasons before his career fizzled out.
Isaiah McKenzie, WR, Buffalo Bills
Isaiah McKenzie is a better comp to Austin with both being the same height and almost the same weight. This Bill hasn’t done too much at the professional level, which the Steelers hope will be the opposite for their new offensive weapon.
6.208: Connor Heyward, FB, Michigan State
Connor Heyward was the “feel good” pick by the Steelers in 2022. He can play three different positions that include running back, tight end, and mostly full back. He will have to make the team on special teams and fight for snaps against Derek Watt.
Jaylen Samuels, RB, Arizona Cardinals
Jaylen Samuels is a former Steelers player and had some different hats that he wore in college. The team drafted him after he played somewhat of a comparable role as Heyward had at Michigan State.
Kyle Juszczyk, FB, San Francisco 49ers
Kyle Juszczyk is another comparison based on the ability that he carries with the 49ers. He is used to actually running the football from time to time. This is more of a true full back and Heyward just kind of fits his size.
7.225: Mark Robinson, LB, Ole Miss
Mark Robinson is a very raw athlete at the linebacker position that was a former walk-on at Ole Miss. The Steelers drafted him based on his upside as he has only been playing the position for one season at the collegiate level. He will need to prove himself on special teams to make the roster as a rookie.
Stevenson Sylvester, LB, Pittsburgh Steelers
Stevenson Sylvester is a good comparison as he made a short career in the NFL based on his play on special teams. Robinson will have to accomplish that feat to stick with the black and gold in hopes of sticking around.
Ulysees Gilbert III, LB, Pittsburgh Steelers
Ulysees Gilbert was taken a couple of years ago and kind of had the same skillset and size as Robinson provides. These two will battle it out in camp to try and make the roster.
7.241: Chris Oladokun, QB, South Dakota State
Chris Oladokun was the last pick by Kevin Colbert. The Steelers doubled down on quarterbacks in this draft by selecting him. He has mobility and a stronger arm than he was given credit for. His lower level of competition is kind of concerning though.
Josh Dobbs, QB, Cleveland Browns
Josh Dobbs just left for the Cleveland Browns and the Steelers could have found a replacement for him with similar traits. They got a mobile quarterback that could turn into a reliable backup option on the bench.
P.J. Walker, QB, Carolina Panthers
P.J. Walker is another player that shares similar traits as Oladokun. They are both mobile and came out of smaller programs to differing extents. Walker was not taken in the draft while this prospect has been able to get selected in the event and hopefully can fight for a roster spot.
The Steelers were able to get some quality players in the 2022 draft. These comparisons can make some players look better or worse than what they could actually become in the NFL.