The 2022 NFL Draft is right around the corner. Let’s take a look at what the Pittsburgh Steelers might do early in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Check out Andrew Erickson’s Historical NFL Draft Picks of All 32 NFL Teams. Here’s his take on the Steelers:
The Steelers’ organization is well known for drafting WRs that seemingly outperform their draft day position. Since Kevin Colbert became the GM in 2010, they’ve drafted the likes of Emmanuel Sanders, Martavis Bryant, JuJu Smith-Schuster, James Washington, Diontae Johnson, and Chase Claypool outside the first round.
The Steelers are solid atop their receiver depth chart with Chase Claypool and Diontae Johnson, but the depth behind them is bleak. They’ve drafted a total of nine WRs inside the top four rounds over that time – the most of any position. I have no doubt that the Steelers have a scouting system that works when identifying WR prospects, but the sheer volume of the receivers they draft increases their odds. Don’t think Pittsburgh won’t take a WR they like in Round 3 or 4.
Some notable wide receivers they have met with include David Bell, Jahan Dotson, George Pickens, and Christian Watson. Dotson fits the mold of the next great Steelers wide receiver.
The next three most popular selections by Colbert’s Steelers are linebacker, defensive back, and offensive line. O-line sticks out the most because it’s been a hot second since Pittsburgh last drafted an offensive lineman in the top two rounds (2012). Even last season, they failed to add anyone until Round 3.
They were able to continually pass on the position because they’ve had such a great line in recent years. That’s no longer the case.
After those positions, there’s an obvious need for a quarterback. The Steelers have not been shy about making their draft plans known to the media and the other 31 teams. Last year everybody knew they were going to select Najee Harris, and this year it seems set in stone they will draft a quarterback at some point – most likely at pick No. 20.
Head coach Mike Tomlin and general manager Kevin Colbert have been highly involved in Pro Days featuring this year’s top rookie quarterbacks.
Pittsburgh Steelers 2022 NFL Draft Needs
- Team Needs: QB, OT, DT, SS, WR
Check out Erickson’s 2022 NFL Draft Needs for all 32 teams.
Matthew Freedman shares his projected first-round selection for the Steelers:
20. Pittsburgh Steelers: Malik Willis (QB – Liberty)
In two years as the starter at Liberty (after transferring from Auburn), Willis completed 62.4% of his passes for 5,107 yards and 47 touchdowns to 18 interceptions and added 338-1,822-27 rushing.
With his mobility and arm strength, Willis has the raw tools to succeed in the NFL.
Unbelievable throw. Great celebration. @malikwillis is doing it all.
?: @LibertyFootball Pro Day on NFL Network pic.twitter.com/9M30Nw39Te
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) March 22, 2022
The Steelers probably won’t enter the 2022 season with Mitch Trubisky and Mason Rudolph competing for the starting job, and their interest in Willis is an open secret.
Here’s Freedman’s full first-round mock draft with notes on each pick.
Freedman also provides Round 2 and 3 projected picks for Pittsburgh:
- Round 2 – Pick 20 (No. 52 overall) Nicholas Petit-Frere (Ohio St. – OT)
- Round 3 – Pick 20 (No. 84 overall) Jalen Tolbert (South Alabama – WR)
Find Freedman’s 2022 NFL Mock Draft for Round 1 through 3 here.
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