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Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

How the 2022 NFL Draft class for the Steelers has performed

By Aaron Becker | Last updated 12/27/22

The Steelers drafted seven players in the 2022 NFL Draft. Here are snapshots of their rookie seasons:

Kenny Pickett, QB (1st round, 20th overall)

Pickett didn't play until Week 4, when he replaced QB Mitch Trubisky. He struggled early, throwing eight interceptions in his first five games. However, he has only turned the ball over once since, helping Pittsburgh (7-8) win four of its past six games.

Pickett missed the Steelers' Week 15 win due to a concussion. He has eight total touchdowns — five passing and three rushing — and a 65.2% completion percentage.

George Pickens, WR (2nd round, 52nd overall)

Pickens, who has played in every game, has had a up-and-down season. He's topped out with 102 receiving yards in a game in a Week 4 loss to the Jets and put up a goose egg in a Week 8 loss to the Eagles.

Pickens hasn't hesitated to show his emotions, and it's clear his mood has reflected his performance. He was visibly upset during the Steelers' Week 13 win over the Falcons after receiving just two targets.

Upset George Pickens #Steelers #NFL pic.twitter.com/D7Y92BIvvM
— Steelers Depot 7⃣ (@Steelersdepot) December 4, 2022

With two games left, he has 700 receiving yards, which ranks eighth all time for a Steelers rookie. Pickens has four TDs total and perhaps the catch of the year.

A different angle of George Pickens' one-handed catch pic.twitter.com/bfJjlplvRF
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsApp) September 23, 2022

DeMarvin Leal, DE (3rd round, 84th overall)

With nine tackles and three passes defensed in the nine games, Leal has underwhelmed. He landed on injured reserve due to a knee injury midseason but has since returned. Leal has shown only flashes to justify his third-round selection.

Nice rep here from DeMarvin Leal. Shifts with the TE motion, bench presses Foster Moreau, helps blow this run up and forces the back off his path. #Steelers pic.twitter.com/AXG73o8N3U
— Alex Kozora (@Alex_Kozora) December 25, 2022

Calvin Austin III, WR (4th round, 138th overall)

Austin III's season ended when the Steelers didn't activate him in time from an IR stint and hasn't played. He showcased his speed in training camp, giving Steelers fans a reason to be excited for 2023.

After 3 days of training camp. I can confidently say Calvin Austin III is the fastest man on this team. He’s been shown if his wheels off all day. #HereWeGo #Steelers
— DJ (@steelers_n6tion) July 29, 2022

Connor Heyward, TE (6th round, 208th overall)

Heyward, the younger brother of Steelers DT Cameron Heyward, delivered when given a chance. He hasn't missed a game, posting nine catches for 106 yards and a touchdown. Heyward's single carry went for 21 yards and secured Pittsburgh's 13-10 win over the Raiders in Week 16.

Connor Heyward. ICE❄️ pic.twitter.com/Cgwcgvv1Sq
— Barstool Spartans (@BarstoolMSU) December 25, 2022

Mark Robinson, LB (7th round, 225th overall)

Robinson didn't play until Week 6 against the Bucs. Although he doesn't have a recorded stat, Robinson showed his quickness in his limited regular-season action.

Cut-up of all four of the run snaps rookie LB Mark Robinson (#93) was on the field for Sunday. All gas, no brakes. Dude attacks the ball. #Steelers pic.twitter.com/wLcLJTqaQ9
— Alex Kozora (@Alex_Kozora) December 19, 2022

Robinson switched from running back to linebacker as a senior at Mississippi, so he's a project, but the Steelers like his talent.

Chris Oladokun, QB (7th round, 241st overall)

Oladokun was drafted to be the fourth quarterback on the roster for training camp. He never received a preseason snap and was released. The Chiefs signed him to their practice squad.

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