The Steelers Top 3 Secret Weapons In 2022

It is no secret that certain players for the Pittsburgh Steelers like T.J. Watt, Najee Harris, Diontae Johnson, Cameron Heyward, Minkah Fitzpatrick, among others will all play key roles in 2022. But, look back to 2021 and guys like Ahkello Witherspoon came out of nowhere down the stretch and helped the team get into the playoffs. There are secret weapons that opposing teams don't always prepare for or see coming throughout the season and these are the Steelers' for the upcoming year:

1.) Steelers Defensive End Tyson Alualu

Stephon Tuitt's retirement has been the biggest story for the defensive line this off-season, but one thing many people are forgetting about is the healthy return of Tyson Alualu who fractured his ankle against the Las Vegas Raiders last September.

Alualu was a key part of the Steelers rushing defense from 2017-20 and the unit clearly struggled last season allowing 146.1 yards per game on the ground which was the worst in the NFL. In 2020, Alualu helped the defense to be top 10 in the league in yards per game allowed.

Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Tyson Alualu (94) plays during the first half of an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals in Pittsburgh, Monday, Sept. 30, 2019. (AP Photo/Tom Puskar)

In order for the team to improve upon their 9-7-1 record of a season ago, Teryl Austin's defense will need to be a dominant force that keeps the pressure off of an unfamiliar offensive group. Many will expect Larry Ogunjobi  to help here in this area as well, but the veteran Alualu will be a key and secret weapon defending the run.

2.) Steelers Wide Receiver George Pickens

Pickens was drafted in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft and wasn't even one of the top 10 receivers selected. While he only played four games for Georgia in 2021, he heads into camp with a clean bill of health and two very talented guys in front of him: Johnson and Chase Claypool. It is going to be hard for opposing defenses to plan for Johnson, Claypool and Harris, let alone another game breaker always waiting to make a play.

PITTSBURGH, PA - MAY 25: Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) takes part in a drill during the team's OTA practice on May 25, 2022, at the Steelers Practice Facility in Pittsburgh, PA. (Photo by Brandon Sloter/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Pickens averaged 21.4 yards per reception in his small sample size last year for the Bulldogs and has big play ability. His ACL injury suffered in the spring of 2021 is almost 18 months in the past and he was even able to play at the tail end of 2021 for the National Champions. Pickens has a legitimate opportunity to catch teams by surprise and play a vital role in the Steelers offense right off the bat.

3.) Steelers Cornerback Levi Wallace

Wallace wasn't the top corner in Buffalo playing alongside Tre'Davious White, but he now has the opportunity to be the top cornerback on his team with the Steelers. This will see him going up against guys like Davante Adams, Ja'Marr Chase, former teammate Stefon Diggs, AJ Brown, and more stud wide receivers. The task ahead is tough, but Wallace is already considered the most underrated player on the team by some and will need to bring his best football if he wants a shot to cash in after his two-year deal in Pittsburgh is up.

Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback, Levi Wallace(#29) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2022 Minicamp on Wednesday, June 8, 2022. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Wallace had six interceptions the last three years and for secondary who was recently ranked one of the worst in the NFL by Pro Football Focus, turnovers will be a key ingredient to the defensive backs debunking that theory. Wallace has the skill to play guys man to man and Steelers fans will fall in love with him when he exceeds expectations in 2022.

Who do you think will be the Steelers secret weapons in 2022? Let us know in the comments below!

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