The 2022 Pittsburgh Steelers rookie class just completed its fourth season. The first three selections from Kevin Colbert’s final draft—Kenny Pickett, George Pickens, and DeMarvin Leal—are all gone from Pittsburgh. But we’ll show the tables, stacking them up against their draft class contemporaries based on their total NFL stats. I’ll also comment on the rest of the rookie class.
Here is the link to their third-year review if you want to compare the statistical changes from last season.
I’ll be recapping the Steelers’ rookie classes from 2021 to 2025. Here are the recaps already posted:
2025 Rookie Draft Class. Some promising young players. But room for improvement.
2024 Rookie Draft Class. Three starting offensive linemen.
2023 Rookie Draft Class. The McCarthy Staff determines the value of Khan’s first draft.
All statistics are extracted from the Pro Football Reference (PFR) unless otherwise noted. The tables highlight each player’s Steelers Depot draft profile, where available. Here is how the Steelers’ top three 2022 draft picks stack up statistically against their contemporaries after four seasons of play:
QUARTERBACK
Name G/GS Comp ATT CMP % YDs Suc% TDs INTs Sack Y/G OnTgt Rating
Kenny Pickett 36/27 499 800 63.0 4953 41.3 16 16 62 137.5 72.1 78.2
Desmond Ridder 25/18 374 588 63.6 4002 44.5 16 14 50 160.1 74.5 82.6
Malik Willis 22/6 105 155 67.7 1322 40.6 6 3 25 60.1 78.2 98.9
Matt Corral Yet to Make NFL Debut
Bailey Zappe 15/9 208 335 62.1 2223 38.4 12 14 32 148.2 75.1 76.0
Sam Howell 20/18 404 645 62.6 4139 41.6 22 23 72 207.0 73.0 77.5
Brock Purdy 49/45 919 1353 67.9 11685 52.4 84 37 81 238.5 78.1 104.0
Chris Oladokun 4/2 35 55 63.6 235 31.3 1 0 9 58.8 75.0 79.0
Quarterback Summary
The 2022 QB draft class remains one of the weakest in recent memory. Only Brock Purdy has emerged as a consistent starter, and he’s the lone one currently still with the team that drafted him.
Brock Purdy (San Francisco 49ers) — The clear standout and only real success story. Mr. Irrelevant (No. 262) started 45 of 49 games. He threw for 11,685 yards, 84 TDs, and a 104 rating with elite efficiency (67.9 percent completion rate, 52.4 percent success rate). He led the group in nearly every major category and remains a high-level starter for the 49ers.
Kenny Pickett (Las Vegas Raiders, ex-Browns, ex-Eagles, ex-Steelers) — Second by volume but far from proven. 27 games started (mostly in his two seasons with Pittsburgh), but he struggled with decision-making and production. Traded mid-2024; scheduled to be a free agent in 2026 with no clear path to relevance as a starter. A clear miss for the Steelers in Kevin Colbert’s final draft.
Desmond Ridder (Atlanta Falcons) — Started 18 of 25 games early but saw limited action later (only 3 starts combined in 2024-25). Modest production (4002 yards, 16 TDs, 14 INTs) and no long-term role.
Malik Willis (Green Bay Packers, ex-Titans) — Only six starts in 22 games, but performed well in his lone 2025 start (efficient, low turnovers). Still mostly a backup/spot player with low overall volume and efficiency.
Sam Howell (Seattle Seahawks, ex-Commanders) — He started 18 games early but regressed and became a backup (3 starts in the last two years). Solid arm but poor decision-making and inconsistency.
Bailey Zappe (New England Patriots) — Nine starts in 15 games, mostly spot-duty. Low production (2223 yards, 12 TDs, 14 INTs) and no future as a starter.
Matt Corral (Carolina Panthers, drafted 2022) – Has not appeared in an NFL regular-season game and remains off the radar.
Four QBs did not play a snap in 2025 (Howell, Zappe, Ridder, Corral), and the other two combined for just 3 starts. This class produced one star (Purdy) and zero franchise QBs elsewhere. For Steelers fans, Pickett’s 27 starts (mostly underwhelming after early optimism in black and gold) remain a painful reminder—they are still searching for that franchise QB.
WIDE RECEIVER
Name G Snaps D/ST TGTs RECs Yds Suc% Y/R Y/G Catch % Drop% Points
Christian Watson 48 1926/15 227 133 2264 52.4 17.0 47.2 58.6 4.4 134
Wan’Dale Robinson 54 2700/4 389 268 2465 46.3 9.2 45.6 68.9 3.6 60
John Metchie 45 1136/63 115 73 686 45.2 9.4 15.2 63.5 5.2 18
Tyquan Thornton 42 1231/38 113 58 823 38.1 14.2 19.6 51.3 8.0 36
George Pickens 65 3553/12 430 267 4270 53.5 16.0 65.7 62.1 3.5 136
Alec Pierce 64 3445/11 296 157 2934 50.0 18.7 45.8 53.0 3.4 102
Skyy Moore 53 1000/194 81 48 581 53.1 12.1 11.0 59.3 4.9 6
Calvin Austin 48 1413/179 143 84 1100 46.9 13.1 22.9 58.7 4.2 60
Wide Receiver Summary
This 2022 WR draft class has produced a mix of deep threats, possession specialists, and injury-limited talents. Rankings balance volume (receptions, yards, games/snaps), efficiency (Y/R, success rate, catch/drop %), scoring (points, TDs), and overall impact (penalties, durability, big plays).
George Pickens (Dallas Cowboys, ex-Steelers) — The class leader despite being the fifth selected. He leads in receiving yards (4270), yards per game (65.7), points (136), and low drop % (3.5 percent) across 65 games and 3553 snaps. His high success rate (53.5%) and big-play ability shine, earning him a 2025 Pro Bowl nod and second-team AP All-Pro honors. However, his mercurial personality and occasional lack of effort when not targeted have drawn criticism.
Alec Pierce (Indianapolis Colts) — He climbs to second as the premier deep threat. He led the NFL in yards per reception twice (22.3 in 2024, 21.3 in 2025) with 157 receptions for 2934 yards and 102 points in 64 games. Pierce has a low drop percentage (3.4%) and high success rate (50.0%) on long-ball targets, making him a reliable vertical weapon.
Wan’Dale Robinson (New York Giants) — The possession specialist ranks third. Leads in receptions (268), catch % (68.9 percent), and low drops (3.6 percent) on 389 targets in 54 games. He has a solid 46.3 success rate and durability (17 games in 2024), which outweighs his lower Y/R (9.2) for consistent chain-moving production.
Christian Watson (Green Bay Packers) — Watson drops to fourth due to injuries. He has a high Y/R (17.0) and points (134) on 133 receptions for 2264 yds in 48 games. But, despite strong play, multiple injuries limited his availability.
Skyy Moore (San Francisco 49ers, ex-Chiefs) — Leads the back half at fifth. Strong success rate (53.1%) and low drops (4.9%), but low volume (48 rec, 581 yds in 53 games) and injuries cap impact. He thrived as a return specialist in 2025 after a trade to the 49ers. This was highlighted by a 98-yard kickoff return for a touchdown to open a Week 11 game against Arizona, showcasing his special teams value.
John Metchie (New York Jets, ex-Texans) — Metchie is on the rise post-leukemia absence. He has a solid 73 rec for 686 yds in 45 games, with playoff experience (four games) and resilience, making him admirable despite middling stats.
Tyquan Thornton (Kansas City Chiefs, ex-Patriots) — Bottom due to limited production. The Patriots waived him mid-2024, and he joined the Chiefs’ practice squad. Then, he was active in 2025, recording 19 rec, 438 yds, 23.1 Y/R, and 3 TDs across 14 games. High Y/R flashes upside, but low volume and inconsistency keep him last.
Pickens and Pierce stand out as high-end starters; Robinson provides reliable underneath work. Watson’s health is the wildcard, while Moore’s return prowess adds special teams value. Calvin Austin (Steelers) excluded from ranking —solid depth contributor (84 rec, 1100 yds) but not top-tier. Pickens has the most upside, especially if he can consistently channel his talent and stay healthy. It was disappointing for Steelers fans watching Pickens’ growth on another team. It’s frustrating for them to see that elite upside thriving elsewhere after the trade.
DEFENSIVE LINE
Defensive Lineman Summary
This 2022 defensive line class (mostly edge/DE types) has produced reliable rotational pieces and depth, but no dominant stars. Rankings prioritize volume (games, snaps), production (sacks, TFLs, QB hits, tackles, PDs, forced fumbles/recoveries), efficiency (missed tackle percentage), and key plays/impact.
Alex Wright (Cleveland Browns) — Group leader with durability and consistency. Played all 65 games, tallying 149 tackles, 8.5 sacks, 18 TFLs, 20 QB hits, 5 PDs, 1 FF, and 1 FR. Low missed-tackle rate (5.1 percent) and high snaps earned him a 3-year extension in 2026—solid rotational edge for Cleveland despite a 2025 triceps tear.
Travis Jones (Baltimore Ravens) — The only true full-time starter. He started most of 51 games, leading with 11.5 sacks, 21 TFLs, 15 QB hits, 98 tackles, 8 PDs, 3 FF, and 2 FR on 2683 snaps. His strong efficiency and impact secured his 3-year extension in 2026—best interior disruptor in the class.
Cameron Thomas (Cleveland Browns, ex-Chiefs/Cardinals) — Third after roster moves. 58 games with 79 tackles, 6.5 sacks, 11 TFLs, 15 QB hits, and elite 3.7 percent missed-tackle rate (group-best). Traded to KC in 2024 (waived after 4 games), claimed by Browns (5 more)—made a notable fumble recovery TD in 2023 as a rookie. Rotational pass-rush upside.
DeAngelo Malone (Atlanta Falcons) — Fourth. High special teams role but effective in limited defense: 59 tackles, 3 sacks, 7 TFLs, 5 QB hits, 1 FR in 58 games. Delivered a key INT off Josh Allen in Atlanta’s 2025 upset win over the Bills—situational rusher with efficient tackler (4.8 miss rate).
Zachary Carter (Las Vegas Raiders, ex-Bengals) — Fifth. 49 games with 81 tackles, 2 sacks, 2 TFLs, 3 PDs. Waived by Cincy mid-2023, claimed by the Raiders—modest rotational play with no major highlights.
Myjai Sanders (Louisville Kings, UFL, ex-Texans) — Sixth. Limited 20 NFL games with 30 tackles, 3 sacks, 7 TFLs, 4 QB hits, 1 FR in 397 defensive snaps. Waived early 2024, no NFL action since—signed with UFL Louisville Kings for 2026.
DeMarvin Leal (New York Giants, ex-Steelers) — Bottom. Only 32 games with 35 tackles, 1 sack, 3 TFLs, 3 QB hits, 4 PDs. Multiple IR stints doomed his tenure; the Steelers released him from his futures contract, and the Giants claimed him. Injuries and uncertainty (edge vs. interior) prevented development. It’s likely the end of his NFL road if he doesn’t rebound.
Wright and Jones anchor group as starters, Thomas and Malone flash situational value. For Steelers fans, Leal’s release caps a frustrating miss. The class offers depth over dominance.
Day Three Selections
The Steelers’ Day 3 picks and one standout UDFA provided depth, special teams value, and rotational upside over three years, though some paths have diverged.
Name POS G/GS O/D Snaps ST Snap Draft Remarks
Calvin Austin WR 48/16 1413 179 4/138 Scheduled to be Unrestricted FA March 11
Connor Heyward FB/TE 68/14 874 1124 6/208 Scheduled to be unrestricted FA March 11
Mark Robinson LB 46/4 207 724 7/225 Currently not under contract
Chris Oladokun QB 4/2 114 0 7/241
Jaylen Warren RB 64/15 1797 291 UDFA Extended through the 2027 season
Calvin Austin III (WR, Round 4) — Transformed from an IR rookie to a reliable No. 3 receiver and return threat. He played all but three games the past three seasons, scoring 9 TDs from scrimmage and becoming the primary punt returner (added a 73-yard PR TD in 2024). His speed and big-play ability make him a keeper in the new offense—expect a continued role as a gadget/return specialist if re-signed.
Connor Heyward (FB/TE, Round 6) — Ultimate Swiss Army knife. He appeared in all 68 games, delivering 28 special teams tackles and 3 offensive TDs. He is versatile at fullback/tight end, but his offensive snaps dropped sharply under Arthur Smith. But he has 11 first downs rushing. His special teams reliability could secure his spot, and the new staff could unlock more offensive usage at fullback.
Mark Robinson (LB, Round 7) — Robinson was a core special teams contributor early. He stepped up defensively during 2023 injuries (strong run defense, 3 forced fumbles in his career), but coverage limitations and a healthier LB room shifted him to a ST focus. The Steelers waived him in 2025. He bounced around (Patriots/Jets practice squads) and was claimed by the Browns in December, so his Steelers chapter is over. He’s currently a free agent (not under contract anywhere as of February 2026).
Chris Oladokun (QB, Round 7) — He never made the initial roster. Oladokun signed to the Chiefs’ practice squad post-cut and rode the bench through three Super Bowl runs. Made NFL debut in 2024 (5-yard run), started two games in 2025—career backup with no real playing future.
Undrafted Free Agent
Jaylen Warren (RB) — One of the best UDFA steals in franchise history. Became a key part of the backfield tandem with Najee Harris and then Kenneth Gainwell. Warren delivers hard-nosed running, excellent pass protection, and 3,859 scrimmage yards on 724 touches across 64 games. He’s reliable on special teams, too. Warren is signed through 2027. But with Gainwell set to hit free agency, who will complement him in 2026?
Overall, Austin and Warren delivered the most lasting offensive impact, while Heyward and Robinson anchored special teams before Robinson’s departure. Oladokun’s path stayed limited. Solid late-round/UDFA haul that added real contributors—now the new coaching staff gets to shape their futures.
STEELERS DEPOT 2022 ROOKIE ARTICLES
Here are links to recent Steelers Depot Articles on the Steelers 2022 Draft Class and UDFA Jaylen Warren:
Conclusion
The Steelers drafted seven players in the 2022 draft, plus signed a contributing undrafted free agent. Pittsburgh whiffed on its first-round selection at quarterback. WR George Pickens proved too mercurial and was traded to Dallas, only to have an All-Pro season there. Austin’s production did not leap in 2025, while Connor Heyward became a tush-push specialist and core special-teamer.
Jaylen Warren, an undrafted free agent, was the brightest pickup in Kevin Colbert’s last Steelers draft. Losing out on a first-round quarterback was a severe blow. Losing a talented wide receiver is doubly so. Even if the two remaining picks, Austin and Heyward, continue to contribute in Pittsburgh. It’s hard to describe this draft as anything but a bust that set the team back on a first-round misevaluation.
Your Music Selection
I always like to include a bit of music. The 2022 draft class is slipping away. Hope the remaining few can hang on. Here is Slip Sliding Away performed by Paul Simon.
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