The 2022 Pittsburgh Steelers rookie class just completed its fourth season. The first three selections from Kevin Colbert\u2019s final draft\u2014Kenny Pickett, George Pickens, and DeMarvin Leal\u2014are all gone from Pittsburgh. But we\u2019ll show the tables, stacking them up against their draft class contemporaries based on their total NFL stats. I\u2019ll also comment on the rest of the rookie class.<\/p>\n
Here is the link to their third-year review<\/a> if you want to compare the statistical changes from last season.<\/p>\n I\u2019ll be recapping the Steelers\u2019 rookie classes from 2021 to 2025. Here are the recaps already posted:<\/p>\n 2025 Rookie Draft Class<\/a>. Some promising young players. But room for improvement.<\/p>\n 2024 Rookie Draft Class<\/a>. Three starting offensive linemen.<\/p>\n 2023 Rookie Draft Class<\/a>. The McCarthy Staff determines the value of Khan\u2019s first draft.<\/p>\n All statistics are extracted from the Pro Football Reference (PFR) unless otherwise noted. The tables highlight each player\u2019s Steelers Depot draft profile, where available. Here is how the Steelers\u2019 top three 2022 draft picks stack up statistically against their contemporaries after four seasons of play:<\/p>\n QUARTERBACK<\/p>\n Name Kenny Pickett<\/a> Desmond Ridder<\/a> Malik Willis<\/a> Matt Corral<\/a><\/p>\n Yet to Make NFL Debut<\/p>\n Bailey Zappe<\/a> Sam Howell<\/a> Brock Purdy Chris Oladokun<\/a> Quarterback Summary<\/p>\n The 2022 QB draft class remains one of the weakest in recent memory. Only Brock Purdy has emerged as a consistent starter, and he\u2019s the lone one currently still with the team that drafted him.<\/p>\n Brock Purdy (San Francisco 49ers) \u2014 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.<\/p>\n Kenny Pickett (Las Vegas Raiders, ex-Browns, ex-Eagles, ex-Steelers) \u2014 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\u2019s final draft.<\/p>\n Desmond Ridder (Atlanta Falcons) \u2014 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.<\/p>\n Malik Willis (Green Bay Packers, ex-Titans) \u2014 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.<\/p>\n Sam Howell (Seattle Seahawks, ex-Commanders) \u2014 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.<\/p>\n Bailey Zappe (New England Patriots) \u2014 Nine starts in 15 games, mostly spot-duty. Low production (2223 yards, 12 TDs, 14 INTs) and no future as a starter.<\/p>\n Matt Corral (Carolina Panthers, drafted 2022) \u2013 Has not appeared in an NFL regular-season game and remains off the radar.<\/p>\n 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\u2019s 27 starts (mostly underwhelming after early optimism in black and gold) remain a painful reminder\u2014they are still searching for that franchise QB.<\/p>\n WIDE RECEIVER<\/p>\n Name Christian Watson<\/a> Wan\u2019Dale Robinson<\/a> John Metchie<\/a> Tyquan Thornton<\/a> George Pickens<\/a> Alec Pierce<\/a> Skyy Moore<\/a> Calvin Austin<\/a> Wide Receiver Summary<\/p>\n 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).<\/p>\n George Pickens (Dallas Cowboys, ex-Steelers) \u2014 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.<\/p>\n Alec Pierce (Indianapolis Colts) \u2014 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.<\/p>\n Wan\u2019Dale Robinson (New York Giants) \u2014 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.<\/p>\n Christian Watson (Green Bay Packers) \u2014 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.<\/p>\n Skyy Moore (San Francisco 49ers, ex-Chiefs) \u2014 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.<\/p>\n John Metchie (New York Jets, ex-Texans) \u2014 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.<\/p>\n Tyquan Thornton (Kansas City Chiefs, ex-Patriots) \u2014 Bottom due to limited production. The Patriots waived him mid-2024, and he joined the Chiefs\u2019 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.<\/p>\n Pickens and Pierce stand out as high-end starters; Robinson provides reliable underneath work. Watson\u2019s health is the wildcard, while Moore\u2019s return prowess adds special teams value. Calvin Austin (Steelers) excluded from ranking \u2014solid 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\u2019 growth on another team. It\u2019s frustrating for them to see that elite upside thriving elsewhere after the trade.<\/p>\n DEFENSIVE LINE<\/p>\n Defensive Lineman Summary<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Alex Wright (Cleveland Browns) \u2014 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\u2014solid rotational edge for Cleveland despite a 2025 triceps tear.<\/p>\n Travis Jones (Baltimore Ravens) \u2014 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\u2014best interior disruptor in the class.<\/p>\n Cameron Thomas (Cleveland Browns, ex-Chiefs\/Cardinals) \u2014 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)\u2014made a notable fumble recovery TD in 2023 as a rookie. Rotational pass-rush upside.<\/p>\n DeAngelo Malone (Atlanta Falcons) \u2014 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\u2019s 2025 upset win over the Bills\u2014situational rusher with efficient tackler (4.8 miss rate).<\/p>\n Zachary Carter (Las Vegas Raiders, ex-Bengals) \u2014 Fifth. 49 games with 81 tackles, 2 sacks, 2 TFLs, 3 PDs. Waived by Cincy mid-2023, claimed by the Raiders\u2014modest rotational play with no major highlights.<\/p>\n Myjai Sanders (Louisville Kings, UFL, ex-Texans) \u2014 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\u2014signed with UFL Louisville Kings for 2026.<\/p>\n DeMarvin Leal (New York Giants, ex-Steelers) \u2014 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\u2019s likely the end of his NFL road if he doesn\u2019t rebound.<\/p>\n Wright and Jones anchor group as starters, Thomas and Malone flash situational value. For Steelers fans, Leal\u2019s release caps a frustrating miss. The class offers depth over dominance.<\/p>\n Day Three Selections<\/p>\n The Steelers\u2019 Day 3 picks and one standout UDFA provided depth, special teams value, and rotational upside over three years, though some paths have diverged.<\/p>\n Name Calvin Austin<\/a> Connor Heyward<\/a> Mark Robinson<\/a>
\nG\/GS
\nComp
\nATT
\nCMP %
\nYDs
\nSuc%
\nTDs
\nINTs
\nSack
\nY\/G
\nOnTgt
\nRating<\/p>\n
\n36\/27
\n499
\n800
\n63.0
\n4953
\n41.3
\n16
\n16
\n62
\n137.5
\n72.1
\n78.2<\/p>\n
\n25\/18
\n374
\n588
\n63.6
\n4002
\n44.5
\n16
\n14
\n50
\n160.1
\n74.5
\n82.6<\/p>\n
\n22\/6
\n105
\n155
\n67.7
\n1322
\n40.6
\n6
\n3
\n25
\n60.1
\n78.2
\n98.9<\/p>\n
\n15\/9
\n208
\n335
\n62.1
\n2223
\n38.4
\n12
\n14
\n32
\n148.2
\n75.1
\n76.0<\/p>\n
\n20\/18
\n404
\n645
\n62.6
\n4139
\n41.6
\n22
\n23
\n72
\n207.0
\n73.0
\n77.5<\/p>\n
\n49\/45
\n919
\n1353
\n67.9
\n11685
\n52.4
\n84
\n37
\n81
\n238.5
\n78.1
\n104.0<\/p>\n
\n4\/2
\n35
\n55
\n63.6
\n235
\n31.3
\n1
\n0
\n9
\n58.8
\n75.0
\n79.0<\/p>\n
\nG
\nSnaps D\/ST
\nTGTs
\nRECs
\nYds
\nSuc%
\nY\/R
\nY\/G
\nCatch %
\nDrop%
\nPoints<\/p>\n
\n48
\n1926\/15
\n227
\n133
\n2264
\n52.4
\n17.0
\n47.2
\n58.6
\n4.4
\n134<\/p>\n
\n54
\n2700\/4
\n389
\n268
\n2465
\n46.3
\n9.2
\n45.6
\n68.9
\n3.6
\n60<\/p>\n
\n45
\n1136\/63
\n115
\n73
\n686
\n45.2
\n9.4
\n15.2
\n63.5
\n5.2
\n18<\/p>\n
\n42
\n1231\/38
\n113
\n58
\n823
\n38.1
\n14.2
\n19.6
\n51.3
\n8.0
\n36<\/p>\n
\n65
\n3553\/12
\n430
\n267
\n4270
\n53.5
\n16.0
\n65.7
\n62.1
\n3.5
\n136<\/p>\n
\n64
\n3445\/11
\n296
\n157
\n2934
\n50.0
\n18.7
\n45.8
\n53.0
\n3.4
\n102<\/p>\n
\n53
\n1000\/194
\n81
\n48
\n581
\n53.1
\n12.1
\n11.0
\n59.3
\n4.9
\n6<\/p>\n
\n48
\n1413\/179
\n143
\n84
\n1100
\n46.9
\n13.1
\n22.9
\n58.7
\n4.2
\n60<\/p>\n
\nPOS
\nG\/GS
\nO\/D Snaps
\nST Snap
\nDraft
\nRemarks<\/p>\n
\nWR
\n48\/16
\n1413
\n179
\n4\/138
\nScheduled to be Unrestricted FA March 11<\/p>\n
\nFB\/TE
\n68\/14
\n874
\n1124
\n6\/208
\nScheduled to be unrestricted FA March 11<\/p>\n
\nLB
\n46\/4
\n207
\n724
\n7\/225
\nCurrently not under contract<\/p>\n