Multiple Pittsburgh Steelers rookies are projected to start in 2022

The Steelers could be expecting a lot from their 2022 draft class early. Here’s why Pro Football Focus projects multiple starting rookies for Pittsburgh.

We’re not quite into summer yet and already analysts are giving their predictions about which players will be in the starting lineups of NFL teams around the league. For those who follow the Pittsburgh Steelers, there are a few question marks, but we can predict the starting lineup accurately down to the final two or three players at this point.

Because of the way that the chips fell this offseason, some newcomers will be given a better shot at starting from the gate than others. This doesn’t just include free agent signings, but rookies as well.

Recently, Ben Linsey of Pro Football Focus published an article projecting all 22 starters for each NFL team. He predicts the Steelers will start multiple rookies this season.

The two rookies Linsey inserted atop Pittsburgh’s depth chart in the starting lineup were QB Kenny Pickett and WR George Pickens. Though neither player is guaranteed to be listed as a starter from the gate, it’s not hard to draw this conclusion.

Pickens seems to be the more likely starter of the two, at least at this point in time. In today’s heavy passing league, it’s standard to list three receivers in the starting lineup, as ’11’ personnel is most frequently used (3 receivers, 1 running back, and 1 tight end). Pickens is likely to join Diontae Johnson and Chase Claypool in the starting lineup.

Linsey also mentions Calvin Austin in his write-up — another player who could see significant action early. Even with veteran Myles Boykin added from waivers this offseason after being released by the Ravens, it’s safe to assume that both Pickens and Austin will see more action on offense from the gate.

Kenny Pickett also has a reasonable chance to start from the gate, but that will require him to beat out Mitch Trubisky during training camp — something that shouldn’t be impossible for a first-round quarterback to do. If he doesn’t start right away, it’s still possible that Pickett becomes the starting QB for the majority of his rookie season.

Which Steelers rookies should start?

Nowadays, teams are relying on their young players to step into sizable roles more than ever before, and it seems likely that even WR Calvin Austin and DL DeMarvin Leal could be asked to step up and makes plays for this team as rookies.

But which players should start for the Steelers in 2022?

Personally, I think Linsey’s prediction pretty much hit the nail on the head. I am completely on board with the idea of Pickett starting this year. As a 24-year-old rookie with five college seasons under his belt, I see no sense in delaying the inevitable. Assuming the competition is comparable, let Pickett start from the gate and get him NFL reps.

As far as wide receiver goes, I think Pickens could prove to be a quality player early in his career and should be listed as a starter. However, I also think there’s a case to be made for Calvin Austin. While Pickens just turned 21 years old and is coming off a torn ACL that caused him to miss the majority of the 2021 season, Austin has loads of production and experience during his time at Memphis. He could prove to be more prepared from the gate.

I really like the DeMarvin Leal selection, but I agree that I don’t see him starting at all this year. Likewise, Connor Heyward is probably going to be listed as a tight end and won’t start either.

The Steelers are suddenly getting much younger, and some of these inexperienced players are going to be forced to step into sizable roles early in their careers. Let’s hope they are up to the challenge.