NFL 2022: Ranking the best supporting casts for every starting QB

November 3, 2019; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders wide receiver Hunter Renfrow (13) is congratulated by tight end Darren Waller (83) and quarterback Derek Carr (4) for catching a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Detroit Lions at Oakland Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

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Feb 4, 2022; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (22), lineman Cameron Heyward (97), linebacker T.J. Watt (90) and receiver Diontae Johnson (18) pose during AFC practice at the Las Vegas Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

16. Pittsburgh Steelers, Kenny Pickett/Mitchell Trubisky

RB: Najee Harris, Benny Snell
WR: Diontae Johnson, Calvin Austin
WR: Chase Claypool, Miles Boykin
WR: George Pickens, Anthony Miller
TE: Pat Freiermuth

The Pittsburgh Steelers invest a lot in their skill position players on an annual basis, primarily through the NFL Draft.

I don’t know that there’s an official stat on this, but I would be willing to bet that the Steelers have invested more top 100 picks in the last 10 years on skill players than any other team in the league.

They develop these guys, and typically let them walk to other teams while other players are waiting in the wings.

It’s a constant and steady stream of talent development, much of which has been fostered by Ben Roethlisberger and his ability to include so many guys in the offense.

Now, Ben is gone.

The Steelers continued to invest in skill players in this year’s draft with George Pickens and Calvin Austin coming onto the depth chart via the 2022 NFL Draft, each bringing a vastly different skill set to the table.

Diontae Johnson is a fantastic all-around receiver whose struggles with drops are overshadowed by his playmaking ability.

Chase Claypool is a physical freak with an elite combination of size and speed as well as dominance at the catch point.

Pat Freiermuth became the clear TE1 last season with 60 receptions and seven touchdowns.

With Najee Harris as the team’s lead back, whoever is under center this coming season is going to have a really good opportunity to succeed and grow with the young skill talent around him.

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