Steelers 2021 preseason recap, way-too-early 2022 mock draft

2022 Steelers Mock Draft Rounds 2 and 3

2nd Rd – Wide Receiver – Garrett Wilson – Ohio State – 6-foot-0, 192 pounds – 4.45/40

I’m guessing two Buckeye wide receivers won’t go in the first round. I’d be happy with Chris Olave at this spot, as well. Both look like “plug and play” NFL receivers. Wilson shows a little more aggression in his route running. Has good hands and runs crafty routes. Not afraid of traffic. Consistently gets yards after the catch. Had 43 receptions for 723 yards at 16.8 yards per with six touchdowns in eight games in 2020.

3rd Rd – Strong Safety – Isaiah Pola-Mao – USC – 6-foot-4, 207 pounds – 4.53/40

Nephew of Steelers great and Hall of Famer Troy Polamalu and shows some of Polamalu’s instincts and aggressive play. Good analysis, communication and range when playing high but he really comes to life around the line of scrimmage. Can come in too hot and miss tackles. His shoulder injuries would have to be looked into. Mostly untested in man coverage but has the speed, athleticism and size to go up against tight ends and bigger wide receivers. In 2019, his first full year as a starter, Pola-Moa had 73 tackles, 5.5 for a loss, 1.5 sacks, four interceptions and two pass deflections.

3rd Rd (compensatory) – Cornerback – Ahmed ‘Sauce’ Gardener – Cincinnati – 6-foot-1, 190 pounds – 4.50/40

I have no faith in the host of defensive backs the Steelers have assembled who can’t break a 4.60 40-yard time. “Sauce” is a tall and physical cornerback who shows good man coverage skills. Has the aggressive attitude to play the slot and enough speed for the outside. In 20 games, Gardener has 40 tackles, six interceptions, including two pick sixes and 12 pass deflections.