The 2022 NFL draft was awkward for the Pittsburgh Steelers, as they ushered in a new era of the franchise. General Manager Kevin Colbert was calling the shots despite his announcement to retire after the draft. He wouldn't have to worry about how this class turned out, but it put a stain on his legacy. It was one of the worst draft classes in recent memory for the Steelers.
Hindsight is always 20/20, but Pittsburgh would love to get a second shot at this draft.
They could've had a much better group of rookies from this event if they had gone with different players rather than their original selections. Their poor decision-making during this process set their team back many years, and it all started with a poor choice to overdraft Kenny Pickett with their top pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Pittsburgh Steelers 2022 draft redo produces one of the top draft classes in recent memory
Steelers 2022 NFL Draft redo Round 1: Tyler Linderbaum, OC, Iowa
Taking Pickett was risky, and they chose the worst draft to take a quarterback in the top round. The Steelers showed plenty of pre-draft interest in Tyler Linderbaum, and it would've fixed their ongoing issues at the time at the center spot. Linderbaum has become a terrific keystone for the Baltimore Ravens' offensive line.
Linderbaum was always the safe pick, and it would've been the best decision.
Steelers 2022 NFL Draft redo Round 2: Nakobe Dean, LB, Georgia
It has been an inconsistent start to Nakobe Dean's career, but he is coming off a breakout campaign in 2024. He struggled with different injuries during his first few seasons, but this past campaign showed why he was worth the risk during the 2022 NFL Draft.
He would've helped solve the Steelers' issues at middle linebacker for the foreseeable future. The former Georgia Bulldog would've been a better locker room guy, too.
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Steelers 2022 NFL Draft redo Round 3: Kerby Joseph, S, Illinois
Instead of wasting a pick on a project player like DeMarvin Leal, Pittsburgh goes with a running mate for Minkah Fitzpatrick in Kerby Joseph. The Steelers needed an upgrade to run with Fitzpatrick at the time, and adding Joseph would've produced the deadliest safety tandem in franchise history. Pittsburgh missed the boat on this selection, as Joseph has created a dynamic career for himself.
Steelers 2022 NFL Draft redo Round 4: Isaiah Likely, TE, Coastal Carolina
The Steelers desperately needed help at the receiver position, but Pittsburgh went a different route in this redrafting process.
They load up on tight-end talent to pair Isaiah Likely with Pat Freiermuth. Two massive targets downfield for a quarterback to throw to should only make things easier. He has been fantastic with the Ravens and could morph into one of the best at his position this season.
Steelers 2022 NFL Draft redo Round 6: Jaylen Watson, CB, Washington State
During this time, the Steelers could have used a young and upcoming cornerback in their secondary. While Jaylen Watson hasn't become an every-down starter yet, he has produced promising results in a lesser role with the Chiefs. It will be a vital campaign for Watson in 2025 to determine the impact he can make as a player. He would fix Pittsburgh's ongoing depth issues at the position.
Steelers 2022 NFL Draft redo Round 7: Rasheed Walker, OT, Penn State
It has been a long rebuild for the Steelers' offensive line, but it would've gotten a boost by taking Rasheed Walker this late in the draft. He has started plenty of games for the Green Bay Packers and could've pushed Pittsburgh's starters at the time.
Walker will be a swing tackle at worst during his professional career, and the Steelers would love to have a better option than Calvin Anderson.
Steelers 2022 NFL Draft redo Round 7: Brock Purdy, QB, Iowa State
There should be no surprise here, as the Steelers should've taken Brock Purdy over Pickett. Some believe Purdy's success results from the 49ers' offensive schematics, but he is a solid player. He has proven to be much more reliable than Pickett. At worst, Purdy would've been an average starting quarterback, which would be some of the best play Pittsburgh has seen from the position in years.