Kevin Colbert’s last draft class is arguably his least successful. In fact, it could be considered his worst, as all seven players the Pittsburgh Steelers selected in the 2022 NFL Draft have now departed the team. Wide receiver Calvin Austin III is heading to the New York Giants, while tight end/fullback Connor Heyward is moving on to the Las Vegas Raiders.
It’s worth mentioning that undrafted free agent running back Jaylen Warren remains with the team. A standout signing, Warren recently signed a contract extension for the upcoming 2025 season, proving that Pittsburgh did manage to get one thing right. However, every draft pick from the first to the seventh round is no longer part of the Steelers, with Warren being the only undrafted player still on the roster.
First Round – QB Kenny Pickett
Initially drafted as the successor to Ben Roethlisberger, Pickett ultimately fell short of expectations and is now considered a bust. Despite his reputation for protecting the football, he has struggled to make impactful plays, amassing only 13 touchdowns in 25 games over 24 starts, marking one of the lowest touchdown rates in the league’s recent history.
With the acquisition of Russell Wilson for the 2024 season, Pickett requested a trade and was subsequently sent to the Philadelphia Eagles, later being traded twice more before signing a one-year contract with the Carolina Panthers this offseason.
Second Round – WR George Pickens
While Pickens was undeniably talented, issues off the field overshadowed his potential. Despite the Steelers taking a risk on him due to his fiery demeanor and previous ACL injury in the second round, he showcased remarkable talent with stunning catches during training camp and the onset of his NFL career.
However, his volatility and disciplinary issues led to fines from the team and the league. After Pittsburgh traded for WR DK Metcalf, it was clear that Pickens’s time with the Steelers was winding down. Following the 2025 draft, he was traded to the Dallas Cowboys for a third-round pick, where he excelled, accumulating 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns.
Third Round – EDGE DeMarvin Leal
Leal’s versatility proved challenging for the Steelers as they struggled to find the best way to utilize him. Injuries compounded the issue, with a neck injury in 2024 hindering any progress he was making. Across four seasons, he recorded only six starts, 35 tackles, and one sack before the New York Giants signed him to a Reserve/Futures contract in January.
Fourth Round – WR Calvin Austin III
After an injury derailed his rookie season, Austin managed to make a memorable play in his second year, scoring a 72-yard touchdown against the Las Vegas Raiders. However, he struggled to secure consistent playing time, aside from occasional jet sweeps that frustrated Steelers fans.
He later found more success under offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, leveraging his speed for downfield plays. With a total of 36 catches in 2024 and 31 in 2025, he notably scored seven game-winning touchdowns, including crucial plays that secured Pittsburgh’s playoff berth.
Sixth Round – TE Connor Heyward
Despite being undersized for a tight end, Heyward’s role was valued for his versatility. Contributing as a special teamer and an emergency running back, he managed to catch 23 passes in 2023 while filling in for the injured Pat Freiermuth. However, after Pittsburgh drafted TE Darnell Washington, Heyward’s playing time dwindled.
Over the following two seasons, he caught only nine receptions, including two touchdowns, before deciding to leave for the Las Vegas Raiders on a two-year deal, despite his brother remaining with the Steelers.
Seventh Round – ILB Mark Robinson
Transitioning from college running back to linebacker in his final college season, Robinson faced a tough road in the NFL. His physical play made him a valuable special teams contributor, but he missed out on defensive opportunities due to Pittsburgh’s lack of trust in him. In 2023, he was sidelined while the team tried various replacements for injured inside linebackers.
He opened the 2025 season with the New England Patriots, had a brief return to Pittsburgh, and was cut again. After a short stint in Cleveland, he remains a free agent.
Seventh Round – QB Chris Oladokun
Oladokun’s time with the Steelers was short-lived, as he served mainly as a fourth-string quarterback and struggled to find opportunities for gameplay. He was released before the preseason ended but later found success with the Kansas City Chiefs, winning two Super Bowls as a backup.
In 2025, he made two starts and recorded his first and only touchdown in a game against the Denver Broncos, ultimately carving out a decent career for a seventh-round draft choice.
