The Pittsburgh Steelers had already selected a wide receiver in round two of the 2022 NFL Draft, but that didn't stop them from grabbing another in round four. Much like in 2019 when the Steelers stole Diontae Johnson from Bruce Arians and the Arizona Cardinals, but this time it was an even sweeter steal. One from the Steelers most hated rival.
On Saturday, Monday Morning Quarterback reporter Peter King hung out in the Baltimore Ravens draft room as they prepared to make what seemed like a dozen picks in the fourth round.
I was in the Ravens’ draft room for the fourth round. What I found interesting was the calm, even when the Steelers threw a stunning changeup at them moments before the Ravens were going to address a need.
SI.com
The stunning move was when Steelers running back Najee Harris announced that the Steelers had selected wide receiver Calvin Austin III from Memphis one pick before the Ravens. The Ravens had to of been used to this by now though, as during the 1st round on Thursday night the Philadelphia Eagles leapfrogged the Ravens to select Jordan Davis. The Ravens of course got a solid consolation prize with safety Kyle Hamilton. But it seemed like Davis was going to be their man.
Now the Steelers were able to take their turn stealing from them. This is what King had to say in his column breaking down his experiences from Saturday.
A middle-round receiver, Calvin Austin III of Memphis, a smurfy guy who runs a 4.32 40, was Baltimore’s target here. Guess who else runs a 4.32? Hollywood Brown. Though Austin’s a small guy, he was durable at Memphis, playing 49 games in four years and averaging 16.3 yards per catch. Baltimore’s not a deep-throwing team—thus Brown’s frustration, leading to his trade request, and the trade to Arizona—but the Ravens could use speed depth.
Austin wasn’t a must-have. But he was the next target. He was Baltimore’s guy.
Then, over the tinny speaker, news that the Steelers were picking wide receiver Calvin Austin, Memphis.
“Gotta be kidding me,” someone blurted out as the Ravens began to process it.
Ravens on the clock … 4:40 4:35 … DeCosta had to think now. He had open trade offers with Kansas City and Jacksonville, and he could pull the trigger on either. He didn’t love his options here. But his expression didn’t change. Harbaugh’s expression didn’t change, nor did Newsome’s. These things happen in the draft. They pondered alternatives. They had two linebackers and one slower receiver with good grades left, but didn’t love any of them.
The Ravens ultimately ended up selecting tight end Isaiah Likely with there pick. Hopefully the Steelers stole a solid player that will make the Ravens regret not being able to pick him. While Austin is a 'smurfy' guy as King described him, he also has plenty of ability on top of his blazing speed. He's able to play the ball well in combat catch type of situations and play much taller.
If the Steelers are able to work him into the game plan and get him the ball in space he will be a very welcomed sight this season. Austin's top end speed and ability to take the top off a defense isn't something that the Steelers have had since Mike Wallace left town.
