May 13, 2022; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett (8) and wide receiver Calvin Austin II (19) participate in drills during Rookie Minicamp at UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire – USA TODAY Sports
The Pittsburgh Steelers obviously went with players who could have an immediate impact early in the 2022 NFL Draft. Which rookies will play the most?
The Pittsburgh Steelers need instant impact from their 2022 NFL Draft class, there’s no question.
Not that some teams don’t want an instant impact from their incoming rookie class, but the Steelers took the drafting approach more for needs than wants or even the best player available.
The Steelers class of 2022 will be an absolutely fascinating group to watch this season. Which rookies on this list should play the most?
Let’s take a look at the top three.
Pittsburgh Steelers rookie no. 3: Calvin Austin III, WR (4th round)
It’s hard not to love Calvin Austin III looking at the way he plays.
At 5-foot-8 and just 170 pounds, Austin is in the bottom percentile of players at wide receiver in terms of height.
He is in the top 85 percent of all other athletic measurement categories.
This guy is an absolutely ridiculous athlete who is strong, fast, explosive and quick. Although the Steelers also signed Gunner Olszewski in free agency, Austin has the ability to be a big contributor as a rookie on special teams and offensively.
He had early chemistry with Kenny Pickett when the two played on the same roster at this year’s Senior Bowl in Mobile, AL, and Austin really turned heads with the way he performed during that week. of workouts.
The rookie takes JuJu Smith-Schuster’s jersey number and I think we’ll see a lot of packages where the Steelers include this guy.
He is much more than a gimmick player offensively with the way he is able to snatch the ball in the air, create separation and make contested catches when those opportunities present themselves.
As far as fourth-round picks go, Austin was definitely one of the best in this year’s draft and with his speed, don’t be shocked to see a lot of big plays from no’s. 19 in 2022.
