BETUS
Cash: $ FP: $ My Account Quick Deposit Login Join Logout
  • Sportsbook
  • Live Betting
  • Casino
  • Racebook
  • Promotions
  • BetUS TV
  • More
  • Contests
  • Loyalty
  • Locker Room
  • Crypto Help
THE LOCKER ROOM SPORTS BETTING NEWS, STATS, ODDS & FREE PICKS
BetUS Advertisement BetUS Advertisement
  • NFL
    • NEWS
    • THE NFL SHOW
    • INJURIES
    • PICKS
    • ODDS
    • MONDAY NIGHT GAME
    • 10 NFL FACTS
    • MATCHUPS
      • Bengals vs Rams Super Bowl LVI
      • CHAMPIONSHIP GAMES
      • DIVISIONAL
      • WILD CARD
      • NFL WEEK 18
      • NFL WEEK 17
      • NFL WEEK 16
      • NFL WEEK 15
      • NFL WEEK 14
      • NFL WEEK 13
      • NFL WEEK 12
      • NFL WEEK 11
      • NFL WEEK 10
      • NFL WEEK 9
      • NFL WEEK 8
      • NFL WEEK 7
      • NFL WEEK 6
      • NFL WEEK 5
      • NFL WEEK 4
      • NFL WEEK 3
      • NFL WEEK 2
      • NFL WEEK 1
    • TEAMS
    • COVID-19 UPDATES
  • NBA
    • PICKS
    • NEWS
    • THE NBA SHOW
    • ODDS
    • TEAMS
    • COVID-19 UPDATES
  • NCAAB
    • NEWS
    • PICKS
    • MARCH MADNESS: PICKS & PREDICTIONS
    • MARCH MADNESS ODDS
    • The NCAAB Show
  • MLB
    • NEWS
    • PICKS
    • ODDS
    • WORLD SERIES
    • TEAMS
    • COVID-19 UPDATES
  • Soccer
    • NEWS
    • PICKS
    • ODDS
    • THE PREMIER LEAGUE SHOW
    • The Serie A Show
    • The Bundesliga Show
    • La Liga Show
    • The Champions League Show
    • The Europa League show
  • NHL
    • NEWS
    • THE NHL SHOW
    • PICKS
    • ODDS
  • TENNIS
  • HORSE RACING
    • NEWS
    • PICKS
    • ODDS
  • UFC & MMA
    • NEWS
    • PICKS
    • ODDS
  • Esports
    • ESPORTS NEWS
    • ESPORTS PICKS
    • ODDS
  • NCAAF
    • NEWS
    • THE NCAAF SHOW
    • PICKS
    • ODDS
    • BOWL GAMES
    • COVID-19 UPDATES
  • More
    • Boxing
      • NEWS
      • PICKS
      • ODDS
    • Golf
    • Motorsports
    • NASCAR
    • Rugby News & Picks
    • Cricket
    • More Sports
    • How to bet on sports
    • OLYMPIC GAMES
No Result
View All Result
NFL
NEWS PICKS THE NFL SHOW INJURIES ODDS MONDAY NIGHT GAME 10 NFL FACTS MATCHUPS NFL TEAMS COVID-19 UPDATES
BETUS
Cash: $ FP: $ My Account Quick Deposit Login Join Logout
  • NFL
    • NEWS
    • THE NFL SHOW
    • INJURIES
    • PICKS
    • ODDS
    • MONDAY NIGHT GAME
    • 10 NFL FACTS
    • MATCHUPS
      • Bengals vs Rams Super Bowl LVI
      • CHAMPIONSHIP GAMES
      • DIVISIONAL
      • WILD CARD
      • NFL WEEK 18
      • NFL WEEK 17
      • NFL WEEK 16
      • NFL WEEK 15
      • NFL WEEK 14
      • NFL WEEK 13
      • NFL WEEK 12
      • NFL WEEK 11
      • NFL WEEK 10
      • NFL WEEK 9
      • NFL WEEK 8
      • NFL WEEK 7
      • NFL WEEK 6
      • NFL WEEK 5
      • NFL WEEK 4
      • NFL WEEK 3
      • NFL WEEK 2
      • NFL WEEK 1
    • TEAMS
    • COVID-19 UPDATES
  • NBA
    • PICKS
    • NEWS
    • THE NBA SHOW
    • ODDS
    • TEAMS
    • COVID-19 UPDATES
  • NCAAB
    • NEWS
    • PICKS
    • MARCH MADNESS: PICKS & PREDICTIONS
    • MARCH MADNESS ODDS
    • The NCAAB Show
  • MLB
    • NEWS
    • PICKS
    • ODDS
    • WORLD SERIES
    • TEAMS
    • COVID-19 UPDATES
  • Soccer
    • NEWS
    • PICKS
    • ODDS
    • THE PREMIER LEAGUE SHOW
    • The Serie A Show
    • The Bundesliga Show
    • La Liga Show
    • The Champions League Show
    • The Europa League show
  • NHL
    • NEWS
    • THE NHL SHOW
    • PICKS
    • ODDS
  • TENNIS
  • HORSE RACING
    • NEWS
    • PICKS
    • ODDS
  • UFC & MMA
    • NEWS
    • PICKS
    • ODDS
  • Esports
    • ESPORTS NEWS
    • ESPORTS PICKS
    • ODDS
  • NCAAF
    • NEWS
    • THE NCAAF SHOW
    • PICKS
    • ODDS
    • BOWL GAMES
    • COVID-19 UPDATES
  • More
    • Boxing
      • NEWS
      • PICKS
      • ODDS
    • Golf
    • Motorsports
    • NASCAR
    • Rugby News & Picks
    • Cricket
    • More Sports
    • How to bet on sports
    • OLYMPIC GAMES
No Result
View All Result
Sports betting at America's Sportsbook - BetUS
Cash: $   FP: $ Login Join
NFL
NEWS PICKS THE NFL SHOW INJURIES ODDS MONDAY NIGHT GAME 10 NFL FACTS MATCHUPS NFL TEAMS COVID-19 UPDATES
  • UFC & MMA Betting
  • NHL
  • Horse Racing
  • Tennis
  • Golf
  • Boxing
  • Motorsports
  • NASCAR
  • Cricket
  • Esports Betting Analysis, Picks & Predictions

Home » Bet On NFL Games 2022 » Free NFL Expert Picks » NFL Draft: Pittsburgh Steelers Draft Recap

NFL Draft: Pittsburgh Steelers Draft Recap

Riley Thomas by Riley Thomas
May 27, 2022, 1:05pm ET
in Free NFL Expert Picks
NFL Draft: Pittsburgh Steelers Draft Recap

Grant Halverson/Getty Images/AFP

While other quarterback-needy teams addressed other positions in the first round, the Pittsburgh Steelers were more than happy to take Pitt’s Kenny Pickett with the 20th overall selection. Following the retirement of Ben Roethlisberger, the move to take a quarterback was one that those who made NFL picks were projecting to happen.

This was the third draft in a row that the Steelers used their top pick on an offensive player, which is something that hadn’t happened in 16 years. At some point that should start paying dividends for an offense that was 21st in scoring offense a season ago.

Although no offensive linemen were selected by Pittsburgh in the draft, the Steelers did sign three players at position as undrafted rookie free agents.

BetUS Advertisement BetUS Advertisement

The draft picks didn’t change things in the AFC North pecking order as the NFL lines, list the Steelers (+750) with the worst NFL odds to win the division title.

Here’s a look at the draft selections by the Steelers in last month’s draft.

  • Pick 20 Kenny Pickett | QB, Pittsburgh Panthers

There were plenty of questions surrounding the team that would be the first to take a quarterback in this year’s draft.

Pittsburgh was more than happy to grab the quarterback who played for five seasons in the city where he will embark on his professional career.

Pickett’s decision to return for a fifth season was certainly the right one. Pickett went from throwing an interception every 47 passes from 2017-2020 to doing it every 71 attempts in 2021 to lead the Panthers to the ACC title.

Mitch Trubisky was brought in following the retirement of longtime starting quarterback Ben Roethlisberger so there won’t be a need to push Pickett onto the field. However, when he is ready, head coach Mike Tomlin won’t hesitate in turning to the rookie.

The sportsbook lists Pickett (+550) as the top choice to win the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year honors.

    • Kenny Pickett Profile.
  • Pick 52 George Pickens | WR, Georgia Bulldogs

With the departures of JuJu Smith-Schuster and James Washington, getting a receiver to go with Chase Claypool and Dionte Johnson was a priority.

The 6-foot-3 Pickens missed much of the 2021 season after suffering a knee injury during spring practice. Pickens played in four games and had five receptions including a 52-yarder in the national championship game.

Any questions about Pickens’ health ended when he ran the 40-yard dash in 4.47 seconds. Pickens averaged 17.7 yards per catch in bowl games or playoff games so he knows how to rise to the challenge.

Going 🆙

More 📸 from today: https://t.co/H0tGv5sDYZ pic.twitter.com/PXkIfmPbmV

— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) May 27, 2022

Pickens is behind 10 other receivers in the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Vegas NFL odds so those making NFL predictions and  will have to factor in the uncertain quarterback situation as well as proven receivers, tight ends and running backs.

    • George Pickens Profile.
  • Pick 84 DeMarvin Leal | DL, Texas A&M Aggies

The 6-foot-4, 290-pound Leal saved his best for last with 8.5 sacks, 12.5 tackles for loss and 58 tackles for Texas A&M during the 2021 season. Leal had seven tackles in the Aggies’ upset of Alabama. He ended the season with sacks in each of his last three games.

DeMarvin Leal has the frame to play multiple positions on the defensive line.

Leal’s numbers at the NFL Scouting Combine were solid but hardly spectacular. The Steelers scouts were more interested in what they saw on tape than anything he did in the pre-draft process.

    • DeMarvin Leal Profile.
  • Pick 138 Calvin Austin | WR, Memphis Tigers

After going with Pickens in the second round, the Steelers picked a much different receiver with this selection.

The 5-foot-8, 170-pound Austin can fly as shown by his time of 4.32 seconds in the 40-yard dash at the combine.

Austin had three touchdown runs and returned two punts for scores during his four years at Memphis. However, it was as a pass-catcher where he really stood out. He had five straight 100-yard receiving games in 2021 including contests with 239 and 200 yards. He had 19 touchdown catches over his last two seasons.

Even if it takes Austin some time to work his way into the rotation at receiver, he could make an impact on special teams.

    • Calvin Austin Profile.
  • Pick 208 Connor Heyward | TE-FB, Michigan State Spartans

It was a great story when Heyward joined his brother Cameron on the Steelers. What his role will be, that is a different story? He is listed as a tight end but at 5-foot-11 and 230 pounds, fullback seems the position he will be asked to play.

Connor Heyward had some work as a running back earlier in his time at Michigan State but most of his touches on offense in the last couple of seasons came on pass routes.

Connor Heyward | Nic Antaya/Getty Images/AFP
    • Connor Heyward Profile.
  • Pick 225 Mark Robinson | LB, Ole Miss Rebels

The former walk-on running back opened more than a few eyes thanks to his five tackles for loss in a win over Tennessee in October. He finished second on the Ole Miss defense with 92 tackles with 26 of them coming in back-to-back games against Tennessee and LSU.

Another undersized draft pick but the 5-foot-11 Mark Robinson does carry 235 pounds.

    • Mark Robinson Profile.
  • Pick 241 Chris Oladokun | QB, South Dakota State Jackrabbits

The Steelers doubled up on quarterbacks taking a productive player from FCS South Dakota State.

Oladokun threw for 3,164 yards and 25 touchdowns as a senior after stints at South Florida and Samford.

The Steelers have plenty of options at quarterback so Oladokun will have his work cut out for him to make the roster. He could be a perfect guy to land on the practice squad.

Chris Oladokun | Michael Hickey/Getty Images/AFP
    • Chris Oladokun Profile.

Grading the draft

It’s pretty hard to find fault with the first three picks made by the Steelers. Quarterback Kenny Pickett, receiver George Pickens and defensive lineman Demarvin Leal fit the bill of being the best player available while also filling specific needs.

Not drafting any offensive linemen is a bit of a head-scratching move considering how poorly the line played a season ago. Taking a second quarterback and a fullback late in the draft was interesting selections but when the nitpicking starts with a pick in the sixth round, that is a sign that the early portion of the draft went pretty well.

Grade: B+

Tags: 2022 NFL DraftFeaturedNFLPittsburgh Steelers
Riley Thomas

Riley Thomas

Riley Thomas grew up an avid sports fan and decided to put his passion to paper. He is a young, up-and-coming writer with experience covering various sports and sports betting. Whether it's heavy analytical pieces or fun and engaging pieces, Riley has you covered. He always completes extensive research on every piece to ensure you will receive the best content. Riley is a 2021 graduate of Ohio University and cannot wait for what's ahead in his career covering sports!

Next Post
2022 AFC South Win Totals

2022 AFC South Win Totals

BetUS Advertisement BetUS Advertisement

Stay Connected

Recommended

Rockies vs Dodgers Predictions, Game Preview, Live Stream, Odds & Picks, July 5

Rockies vs Dodgers Predictions, Game Preview, Live Stream, Odds & Picks, July 5

July 5, 2022
College football predictions: No. 39 Kansas State Wildcats

College Football Predictions: No. 39 Kansas State Wildcats

July 5, 2022
NBA Free Agency

NBA Free Agency

July 5, 2022
Mark Magsayo poses for a picture after defeating Gary Russell Jr. to win the WBC World Featherweight Championship

Magsayo vs Vargas Predictions, Fight Preview, Live Stream, Odds & Picks, July 9

July 5, 2022
BetUS Advertisement BetUS Advertisement
Sports Betting

SPORTSBOOK

  • Online Sportsbook
  • NFL Odds
  • NBA Odds
  • MLB Odds
  • World Series Odds
  • NHL Odds
  • NCAAF Odds
  • NCAAB Odds
  • UEFA Champions League Odds
  • Nascar Odds
  • OIympic Games Odds
  • French Open Odds
  • Live Betting

CASINO

  • Online Casino Games
  • Tournaments
  • Bonus Play
  • Play Blackjack
  • Online Slots
  • Casino Guide
  • How to Play Blackjack

HORSE RACING

  • Racebook
  • Horse Racing Odds
  • Horse Racing Rules
  • Racebook Glossary
  • Horse Race Betting
  • Pegasus World Cup
  • Triple Crown Betting
  • Horse Racing News

INFORMATION

  • Sports Betting News
  • BetUS Sportsbook Reviews
  • How to Bet Online
  • How to Bet On Sports
  • About Us
  • Rules & Regulations
  • Help & FAQ
  • Press Room
  • Sporting Events Odds
  • Affiliates

BETTING OFFERS

  • Casino Promotions
  • Bonuses
  • Contests
  • Sign Up Bonus
  • Crypto Bonus
  • Casino Bonus
  • Refer a Friend

OTHER

Why Join?
Contact Us
1 (800) 792-3887
Email
BetUS Privacy Policy
Terms & Conditions
Sportsbook Sitemap
IF YOU HAVE A GAMBLING PROBLEM, CALL 1-800-GAMBLER
license certificate

© 1994 - 2022 BetUS.. All Rights Reserved The BetUS Brand and Logo are trademarks of BetUS. BetUS is a premier online sportsbook and gambling destination. BetUS is a fully licensed sportsbook providing a reliable and secure sports betting service to millions of satisfied online betting customers world wide since 1994. BetUS offers football betting, live and NFL odds all season long.

Why Join? My Account
Sportsbook
Live Betting
Racebook
Promotions
Casino
Contests
Locker Room
BETUS TV
Loyalty
Crypto Help
Chat
  • Help
  • About Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Rules & Regulations
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Logout
Net6Premium