Two Steelers picks highlight ESPN's 2022 redraft

The Steelers didn't pick until No. 20 on day one of the 2022 NFL Draft. However, ESPN believes Pittsburgh landed two rookies that deserved to be drafted in the top half of the first round.

QB Kenny Pickett, drafted at No. 20, and WR George Pickens, drafted at No. 52, have both risen in the rookie rankings. ESPN now has Pickett going to the Saints at No. 16 and Pickens going to the Ravens at No. 14.

Pickett was labeled as the most NFL-ready quarterback in the class, so it comes to no surprise that he sticks in the first round. He led the Steelers from 2-6 to 9-8, just missing the playoffs and posting 2,641 yards, 10 touchdowns and nine interceptions as a rookie.

The 24-year-old has also received some high praise as he improved every week.

"Can Kenny Pickett make every throw Joe Burrow can make?," former Steeler Arthur Moats asked on Pittsburgh's 93.7 The Fan. "Absolutely ... I don't think he's far off [from Burrow]."

On the other hand, Pickens makes a massive jump. He was viewed as one of the most talented receivers in the class but injury and maturity concerns dropped his stock.

Pickens proved his doubters wrong as a rookie, catching the ball 84 times for 801 yards and four touchdowns and having a mostly drama free year.

ESPN's redraft taunts Pittsburgh's AFC North rival who selected S Kyle Hamilton in the first round. Hamilton wasn't a bad pick for Baltimore but Pickens could have provided the No. 1 receiver it has been missing.

"Hamilton was a solid pick who shook off early struggles and finished strong," ESPN wrote. "But imagine Lamar Jackson lofting touchdown passes to Pickens in the end zone. Pickens' elite pass-catching ability is tough to pass on because he provides much-needed playmaking ability on the outside."

The Steelers seem to have gotten themselves two good ones in Pickett and Pickens. And fans will certainly enjoy watching the two play together for years to come.