How former GM Kevin Colbert's final Steelers draft stacks up
Former Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert made seven picks in the 2022 NFL Draft, the last of his 20-year reign in Pittsburgh. Colbert’s final pick, quarterback Chris Oladokun, has already been released. With the final preseason game Sunday and cutdown day Tuesday, here’s a look at Colbert's final draft:
Kenny Pickett QB (Pitt): Selected No. 20 (1st round)
Pickett impressed in the first preseason game against Seattle and was even better in Week 2 against Jacksonville. He is 19-for-22 with three TD passes and no picks. One of the incompletions was a spike in a two-minute drill. It once seemed inconceivable that Pickett could start Week 1 over Mitch Trubisky, but Mike Tomlin has left the door open.
George Pickens WR (Georgia): Selected No. 52 (2nd round)
Perhaps the only player that Pittsburgh is more excited about than Pickett. Despite a quiet performance against Jacksonville (two catches for six yards), Pickens has been impressive throughout training camp and the preseason.
Pickens, who has locked up his roster spot, has the potential to be a No. 1 receiver. Colbert’s first two picks in his last draft look like the foundation of the offense for years.
DeMarvin Leal DE (Texas A&M): Selected No. 84 (3rd round)
Leal has generated five pressures in his 64 preseason snaps. That is an 11 percent pressure rate on pass-rushing snaps, in line with Pittsburgh DT Cameron Heyward’s 10 percent pressure rate in 2021. Leal looks ready to contribute, primarily on passing downs, but he hasn’t played well against the run.
Calvin Austin III WR (Memphis): Selected No. 138 (4th round)
A foot injury has kept Austin out for most of training camp and both preseason games. Austin told Brian Batko of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that he “is feeling great,” adding that he is awaiting word from Tomlin about his return.
The 5-foot-7 receiver ran a 4.32 second 40-yard dash at the combine and should add an exciting element to the offense. However, with cut day looming and a loaded receiver room, Austin’s spot is far from locked up.
Connor Heyward TE (Michigan State): Selected No. 208 (6th round)
The Steelers love family ties. The younger brother of Cameron Heyward has impressed. Heyward has three catches for 26 yards in two preseason games. The Steelers need a No. 2 tight end behind Pat Freiermuth. Heyward has a chance to fill that role.
Mark Robinson MLB (Mississippi): Selected No. 225 (7th round)
Inside linebacker is the most contested position on the defense. Devin Bush and Robert Spillane have been competing to start next to Myles Jack. Robinson may have inserted himself into that competition. If not now, he will be knocking on the door by season’s end.
Robinson has played decisively, fast and most importantly, he hits hard. That’s something the Steelers haven’t seen from Bush, a 2019 first-rounder.
Colbert’s Final Draft
Colbert may have missed on Oladokun in the seventh round, but outside of Austin, who has been injured, the early returns on his other selections are promising. All six remaining on the roster will probably make the team. Pickett and Pickens should have major roles.
More must-reads: