Pittsburgh Steelers 2022 NFL Draft Grades: WR Reload A Good One
By Evan Bachman
Round 2, 52nd Overall: George Pickens, WR, Georgia
George Pickens was an obvious star out of the gate at Georgia as he was a former five-star and had an outstanding freshman campaign. Unfortunately, he tore his ACL in March of 2021 and missed most of the regular season before returning late in the season for the Bulldogs.
Pickens certainly has the tools to develop into a very dependable receiver in the NFL. He’s a big bodied receiver at 6-foot-3, 195 pounds, he’s a good route runner, has consistent hands, and is very good in contested catch situations.
Adding Pickens to this offense forms an intriguing group of young skill position players for the Pittsburgh Steelers alongside receivers Diontae Johnson and Chase Claypool, running back Najee Harris, and tight end Pat Friermuth.
Final Grade: A-
Round 3, 94th Overall: DeMarvin Leal, DL, Texas A&M
DeMarvin Leal is a former five-star recruit who has a lot of the traits you want to see in a defensive lineman as has a solid blend of size, power, and movement skills.
He entered the 2021 season as a projected first rounder and a potential top ten pick, however struggles with consistency caused his draft stock to fall.
Leal lined up on the edge a lot at Texas A&M. However, with his size and power I think he’s a perfect fit to play as a 3-technique on the interior defensive line in the Pittsburgh Steelers defensive scheme.
Final Grade: B