PITTSBURGH STEELERS
Round 1 (No. 20 overall) – Kenny Pickett, QB, Pitt: The Steelers opt to go with Pickett, who’s trained in the facility they share with the Pitt Panthers for years. Pittsburgh coach Mike Tomlin had expressed a desire for a mobile quarterback. But the calling cards of perhaps this draft’s most NFL-ready passer are poise, accuracy, a quick release and production. It will be interesting to see how long Pickett sits behind veteran Mitch Trubisky, who came aboard during free agency on a two-year, $14.3 million deal.
Round 2 (52) – George Pickens, WR, Georgia: He suffered an ACL tear in spring practice a year ago but made it back in time to participate in the Bulldogs’ 2021 championship drive, averaging 21.4 yards on five catches. A 6-3, 195pounder with sub-4.5 speed offers plenty of intrigue and has even been mentioned favorably in the same breath as former Dawgs legend A.J. Green.
Round 3 (84) – DeMarvin Leal, DT, Texas A&M: His 6-4, 283-pound frame fits Pittsburgh’s profile for a defensive end. The All-American had 81⁄2 sacks and 121⁄2 TFLs last season.
Round 4 (138, compensatory) – Calvin Austin III, WR, Memphis
Round 6 (208, from Chiefs) – Connor Heyward, TE, Michigan State
Round 7 (225, from Jets) – Mark Robinson, LB, Ole Miss
Round 7 (241) – Chris Oladokun, QB, South Dakota State
Grade: B
A franchise that knows how to mine receiving diamonds might have found two more gems in Pickens and Austin. Leal could reach his vast potential amid the Steel City culture. And how about taking All-Pro DL Cam Heyward’s brother, Connor (a Michigan State tight end/ H-back)? However, this crop will be defined by the selection of Pickett. Coach Mike Tomlin already believes Pickett could be his Week 1 starter despite the presence of Trubisky. Skeptics could say Pickett is close to maxing out his ability and might not be much more than a lateral move from Trubisky, especially given the tantalizing potential that was available with Liberty’s Malik Willis.