Heading into the 2022 NFL Draft, there was one obvious aspect that the Pittsburgh Steelers needed improve on. That is, the offensive side of the football. The team tried to rely on their uber-talented defense too often in 2021, which was the ultimate downfall.
The team did just that by addressing the offensive side of the ball with each of the first two picks, in addition to their fourth as well. In turn, quarterback Kenny Pickett and wide receiver George Pickens can't exactly be considered “sleepers” for this. Let's now take a look at our rookie sleeper(s) for the 2022 Pittsburgh Steelers.
Steelers Rookie Sleeper(s) for 2022 NFL Season
Second-round pick George Pickens will have eyes on him throughout the summer and into training camp. He's slated to start alongside Chase Claypool and Diontae Johnson in the 2022 season. As a result, Calvin Austin III will, at best, be the Steelers' fourth option at wide receiver. Here's your warning, don't sleep on the Memphis product. Austin was selected in the fourth round, the 138th pick overall. Some felt as if the team had more pressing needs at the point, perhaps a defensive back or edge rusher. Austin will be able to provide something the team has been missing for years.
He's much different than the Steelers' 2014 third-round pick, Dri Archer. Sure, they both have lightning speed, and they are both very small but that's where the similarities stop. At the NFL Combine, Austin ran the fifth-fastest 40 time at 4.32 seconds. That speed was constantly on full display in his four-year college career. In his last two seasons at Memphis in the AAC, he caught 137 balls for 2,202 yards and 19 TDs in 23 games. He also added in three rushing touchdowns in his career, including ones of 83 and 69 yards.
Austin presents an element the Steelers perhaps don't have with the loss of JuJu Smith-Schuster, which is a legitimate slot receiver. Diontae Johnson could play inside, but he's best suited outside. Chase Claypool isn't your prototypical slot guy, although he'll likely be just that, at least until Austin is caught up to speed. The Steelers have tried getting another speedster at the wideout position for years. Austin may just so happen to be their guy.
As for another name to keep an eye on as far as rookie sleepers go, Mataeo Durant is just your guy, hence “sleeper(s).” He faces an uphill battle at making the Steelers' 53-man roster given the fact that he's an undrafted free agent. With that being said, the door is open for him to make it. Beyond starter Najee Harris, the Steelers don't have any roster locks at running back. Benny Snell Jr. and Anthony McFarland Jr. haven't lived up to expectations, so the team still needs a solidified backup.
Durant played his college ball at Duke and at their Pro Day, he ran 4.38 40-time along with a 35-inch vertical. He broke out in 2021, as he achieved his first 1,000-yard season. On 255 carries, he ran for 1,241 yards and nine touchdowns. Durant showed the ability to be a multi-dimensional back as well, as he caught 27 passes for 256 yards and two more touchdowns. In a more limited role as a junior in 2020, he averaged 6.8 yards per carry.
Again, Durant will be coming in as an undrafted free agent, so he's by no means a lock to make the team. The opportunity is there for him to take a backup running back role in the Steelers' offense. These two may burst onto to the scene or they may both flame out. Each of the two present unique skillsets for a Steelers offense that desperately needs it.
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