Estimating the impact each Pittsburgh Steelers rookie will have in 2022

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett (8). Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett (8). Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Mark Robinson (93) participates in drills during Rookie Minicamp at UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

Mark Robinson: Low impact

I have to admit that I was pleasantly surprised with Mark Robinson after going back and watching some Ole Miss tape from this past season. Robinson has several things working against him: He’s short and compact, he’s a former running back converted to linebacker, and he didn’t test as a particularly good athlete.

Despite all of this, Robinson managed to flash on the football field. However, he was not a full-time player for the Rebels defense, and he would often leave the field depending on the package. Robinson does his best work in run defense where he can stack and shed to hit the running back head-on.

Still, it’s hard to envision a seventh-round draft choice making a big impact from the gate, and it will be hard enough to crack the roster. While I do believe that Robinson has the grit, physicality, and determination to earn a roster spot in 2022, he will only compete on special teams — and that’s assuming he’s even active on gameday. He will be a low-impact rookie for the Steelers.