2022 NFL Team Draft Page

The Steelers kicked the tires on the top 6 quarterbacks in this class, travelling to Pro-Days across the nation to end up picking the kid next door. Pickett's first few seasons weren't in line with a draftable QB, let alone a RD1 guy. However, much like Frampton, Pickett came alive in the 2021 season, leading the Panthers to an 11-3 record, posting 42 TDs to 8 INTs.

He impressed at the Senior Bowl as the most pro-ready prospect. Practicing in the same facility and having a former Steeler coach as an OC gave the Steelers the inside track on Pickett's evaluation. He has the athleticism needed to run the wrinkles that OC Matt Canada would like to fit into the Steelers offense. His limitations are primarily of a physical nature giving the team further confidence in the evaluation.

Grade: B+

The Steelers lost JuJu, James Washington, and RayRay McCloud this offseason. They looked past some very good smaller receivers here to pick up the tall outside receiver from the Bulldogs.

The team lately seems to prioritize receivers who are effective at making a play on the ball in the air and Pickens fits that mold.

Grade B+

The Steelers curiously add a player to the deepest position on the roster. This pick may mean that the return of DE Stephon Tuitt may be less likely than the team’s lip service has made it seem.

Regardless, the team passed up a chance to add depth at OT or to pick a safety to groom as a 2023 starter to add a developmental player with no immediate path to a starting role.

Grade: C-