The 2022 NFL draft was the final draft of former Pittsburgh Steelers General Manager Kevin Colbert. In a typical scenario, these players are all heading into their fourth year and eyeing a contract extension. Unfortunately for the Steelers, the 2022 class has been a bust and is exactly the wrong way Colbert wants to be remembered on his way out.

The Steelers’ top two picks from 2022, quarterback Kenny Pickett and wide receiver George Pickens are both on other teams. Pickett was an absolute bust of a pick and might not even make the Cleveland Browns‘ 53-man roster, and Pickens became such a malcontent that his talent wasn’t enough to keep him around for a second contract.

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But in more positive news, let’s project the roles for the Steelers from the 2022 NFL draft in the upcoming season.

Third round – DE DeMarvin Leal

Leal entered the NFL as a tweener, and this classification has persisted, which has done nothing to advance his career. The team tried using him as a pass-rush specialist last season at 290 pounds and it didn’t work. He’s not strong enough to be a full-time end and not athletic enough to rush the passer, and we have him squarely on the roster bubble. If he makes the team, he will likely be deep on the depth chart and probably won’t see many reps.

Fourth round – WR Calvin Austin III

Austin joined the team with a ton of hype after a huge senior season and his game-breaking speed. Unfortunately, the injury bug hit him early and he has spent the next two seasons trying to get back to what he was coming out of college. In 2024, we saw a healthy Austin make some plays as he finished with 36 receptions. However, Austin is projected to start opposite DK Metcalf, and if he’s back to 100 percent, he might be in line for a breakout season.

Sixth round – FB/TE Connor Heyward

Heyward is another guy who has just sort of drifted along with no defined role and very little production. This offseason, Heyward is bulking up to 240 pounds in order to play a more classic fullback role. This feels like the offense as a whole is taking a step backward, but if it gets Heyward more involved in the offense, it might be a net positive.

Seventh round – LB Mark Robinson

Robinson is another player who came in looking like me might be a draft steal but has failed to produce. With the healthy return of Cole Holcomb, the additions of Malik Harrison and Carson Bruener, we don’t look for Robinson to make the final 53-man roster at all.

This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Projecting the roles of the Steelers 2022 NFL draft class