3 Pittsburgh Steelers rookies that will contribute the most in 2022
The Pittsburgh Steelers obviously went with some players that could make an immediate impact early in the 2022 NFL Draft. Which rookies will play the most?
The Pittsburgh Steelers need instant impact from their 2022 NFL Draft class, there’s no question about it.
Not that some teams don’t want instant impact from their incoming rookie class, but the Steelers went with the approach of drafting more for needs than for wants or even the best player available.
The Steelers’ 2022 class will be an absolutely fascinating group to watch this season. Which rookies on this roster are slated to play the most?
Let’s take a look at the top three.
Pittsburgh Steelers rookie no. 3: Calvin Austin III, WR (4th round)
It’s hard not to love Calvin Austin III when watching the way he plays the game.
At 5-foot-8 and only 170 pounds, Austin is in the bottom percentile of players at the wide receiver position in terms of size.
He’s in the top 85 percent of every other athletic metric category.
Calvin Austin III is a WR prospect in the 2022 draft class. He scored a 9.43 RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 151 out of 2613 WR from 1987 to 2022. https://t.co/nsIcMSyh2Q #RAS pic.twitter.com/h0Zebth9fb
— Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) March 23, 2022
This guy is an absolutely ridiculous athlete who is strong, fast, explosive, and quick. Although the Steelers also signed Gunner Olszewski in free agency, Austin has the ability to be a significant contributor as a rookie on special teams and offensively.
He got some early chemistry with Kenny Pickett when the two played on the same roster at this year’s Senior Bowl in Mobile, AL, and Austin really turned heads with the way he performed at that week of practices.
Go 🆙 and get it@CalvinAustinIII pic.twitter.com/6E4p2Na71D
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) May 15, 2022
The rookie is taking JuJu Smith-Schuster’s jersey number and I think we’ll see plenty of packages where the Steelers include this guy.
He’s so much more than a gadget player offensively with the way he’s able to snatch the ball out of the air, create separation, and make contested catches when those opportunities come about.
As far as fourth-round picks go, Austin was certainly one of the best in this year’s draft and with his speed, don’t be shocked to see a lot of big plays from no. 19 in 2022.