This week, as we watched former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett struggle at quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles, we are reminded just how much the 2022 NFL draft hurt the Steelers thanks to using a first-round pick on Pickett.
Pickett was the only quarterback taken in the first two rounds with the next quarterback not coming off the board until the No. 74 overall pick. The Steelers were already late to replace Ben Roethlisberger and reaching for Pickett just punctuated it.
We decided to go back and see how we would have done the 2022 draft passing on Pickett.
First round – C Tyler Linderbaum
Iowa junior center Tyler Linderbaum (No.65) stands in the path between the Colorado State defense and junior quarterback Spencer Petras as Petras fires a pass in the fourth quarter at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa, on Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021.
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Second round – WR George Pickens
Nov 9, 2019; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs wide receiver George Pickens (1) runs after a catch against the Missouri Tigers during the first half at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Third round – DE DeMarvin Leal
Sep 25, 2021; Arlington, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman DeMarvin Leal (8) in action during the game between the Arkansas Razorbacks and the Texas A&M Aggies at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Fourth round – WR Khalil Shakir
Oct 12, 2019; Boise, ID, USA; Boise State Broncos wide receiver Khalil Shakir (2) runs from the wildcat during the first half at Albertsons Stadium versus the Hawaii Warriors. Mandatory Credit: Brian Losness-USA TODAY Sports
Sixth round – TE Connor Heyward
Nov 13, 2021; East Lansing, Michigan, USA; Michigan State Spartans running back Connor Heyward (11) runs for a touchdown during the second quarter against the Maryland Terrapins at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Seventh round – OT Rasheed Walker
Dec 19, 2020; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions offensive linesman Rasheed Walker (53) during the third quarter against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Illinois 56-21. Mandatory Credit: Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports
