From Potential to Attrition: Analyzing the Demise Of The Steelers’ 2022 Draft Class

One thing remains certain about the NFL Draft and the art of drafting: it is far from an exact science. Though often described as the lifeblood of a franchise, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ 2022 draft class has instead become a cautionary tale. With the recent release of DeMarvin Leal, the class is now nearly extinct, and its unraveling speaks volumes about missed opportunities, poor positional fits, and the challenges of organizational transition.

The 2022 draft was the last one under longtime general manager Kevin Colbert, and it came at a key turning point for the Steelers as they moved on from the Ben Roethlisberger era. That class was supposed to help shape a new identity for the team. Instead, most of those players are already gone, and what’s left is a reminder of missed chances and a few missteps in strategy and development.

A review of how the 2022 draft class has fared:

• Kenny Pickett (Round 1): Traded to the Eagles in 2024 after failing to solidify his role as a franchise quarterback.

• George Pickens (Round 2): Traded to the Cowboys in 2025 despite.

• DeMarvin Leal (Round 3): Cut in 2025.

• Calvin Austin III (Round 4): Still on the roster and expected to contribute as a wide receiver.

• Connor Heyward (Round 6): Still the roster as a full back/tight end.

• Mark Robinson (Round 7): Cut in 2025.

• Chris Oladokun (Round 7): Released early in his rookie season.

  
  

When examining the factors that led to the demise of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ 2022 draft class, several avenues warrant exploration.

In the case of talented wide receiver George Pickens, the issue was not ability but discipline and behavioral concerns. Despite his on-field production, recurring fines and off-field incidents ultimately overshadowed his contributions. Kenny Pickett, drafted to be the team’s franchise quarterback, struggled to establish consistency. His tenure was marked by uneven performances and a controversial departure following the acquisition of free agent Russell Wilson, which signaled a shift in the team’s direction.

The release of DeMarvin Leal highlights a broader organizational issue: players being drafted without clearly defined roles. Leal’s versatility, while promising, proved difficult for the Steelers to integrate effectively into their defensive scheme.

Another contributing factor—one that has received relatively little attention—is the leadership transition from former general manager Kevin Colbert to Omar Khan. Colbert’s departure introduced uncertainty regarding the team’s long-term vision. The resulting lack of cohesion in player development and utilization within the 2022 draft class reflects the instability that accompanied this change in leadership.

When viewed in retrospect, the 2022 draft class will likely be remembered as one of the weakest in recent Pittsburgh Steelers history—a group that began with promise and ended in trades, roster cuts, and unmet expectations. For the Steelers, the lesson is clear: drafting talent is only part of the equation. Equally important are the processes of developing that talent, integrating it into a coherent system, and effectively managing player personalities.

The Steelers 2022 class stands as a stark reminder of the importance of evolving one’s approach to scouting and coaching. Even for a storied franchise like the Steelers, such evolution is essential; without it, the organization risks watching its future quietly file out the door.