PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Seven. The number of players from the Steelers 2021 draft class who started games last year. Four of them started every game they were healthy. Which Steelers from this draft class will make the biggest impact?
We know Kenny Pickett will be in competition to be the starting quarterback. There will be tons of stories about Pickett, for this one we are taking him off the board. Let's look at the other rookies who will figure into the Steelers plans for 2022, ranked in order of most potential snaps played.
George Pickens-WR-Georgia-2nd round
Ok, not a surprise. Much like Najee Harris was the starter before camp started last season. Pickens is an immediate first-teamer. The only thing that limited the 6'3" receiver last season was an ACL tear in March that he fought back from to play again, including a key 52-year reception in the National Championship game. Pickens averaged 18.2 yards a catch against Alabama in his career and averaged 155 yards a game in the pair of traditional bowl games he participated in.
Calvin Austin-WR-Memphis-4th round
While only 5'8", supplants or at least battles Miles Boykin for playing time. Austin wowed scouts at the Senior Bowl with his ability to get open, ran a 4.32 40 Yard Dash and is a former track All-American. So far in his career he's been fearless, had back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons and while he played in a non-Power 5 conference-Austin had some big games against the best teams on his schedule.
Connor Heyward-TE/FB-Michigan St-6th round
As Mike Tomlin quickly pointed out as we went down the feel-good story about drafting Cam's brother, Connor was drafted because he can play. Zach Gentry is the second tight end and only has 20 career catches. In Matt Canada's offense at Pitt, the fullback and tight end were stars. Heyward will play a bunch of special teams snaps & if they decide they don't need Derek Watt, that just adds to the workload.
DeMarvin Leal-DL-Texas A&M-3rd round
The bottom line with his snaps-will Stephon Tuitt play this season? If Tuitt plays, that takes plenty of snaps away. If he doesn't, expect more on-the-job training even though Steelers coaches aren't exactly sure his position and want Leal to put on more weight. Leal was a highly thought of pick at the end of his sophomore season, but for some reason dropped this year (maybe for a December arrest for carrying less than two ounces of marijuana) despite being named on six All-American teams and totaling 8.5 sacks and 12.5 tackles for loss.
Mataeo Durant-RB- Duke-Undrafted Free Agent
A wild card here, especially if the Steelers sign a veteran backup tailback. The 6'1", 195-pound Durant missed only four games in his Duke career, he holds the school single-season rushing yards record and was named First Team All-ACC last season. Is Durant better than the teams he played on? If it turns out he is, he could be competition for Benny Snell, Anthony McFarland and Trey Edmunds.
Or
Jaylen Warren-RB-Oklahoma St-Undrafted Free Agent
A former JUCO star, the 5'8" Warren only played one season for the Cowboys and named the Big 12 Offensive Newcomer of the Year as well as Honorable Mention All-Big 12 rushing for 1,216 yds. Warren rushed for 193 yds. against Texas, 113 against TCU and had 116 total passing & receiving yards vs. Notre Dame. It would seem whoever wins the battle between Durant and Warren has a shot at this roster as currently constructed.
Chris Steele-CB-USC-Undrafted Free Agent
The 6'1" high school All-American named to a pair of All-PAC-12 teams in his three seasons. Steele had a pair of interceptions (one against Notre Dame, the other against UCLA), three pass breakups, two tackles for loss and a forced fumble his final season. The Steelers still need young talent in the secondary, if he can play special teams well, there is a potential for a roster spot.
Injuries always play a factor into playing time. There are some impact players in 2022, but don't expect to see the 77 combined starts we saw last season.
