2 quarterbacks that should be on Steelers radar for the 2022 NFL Draft

The Pittsburgh Steelers need a franchise quarterback. Here are two names they should consider in the 2022 NFL Draft. 

With Ben Roethlisberger at 39 years of age and his rapid decline in production on the field, it is time to start thinking about what quarterback the Steelers need to pick in the 1st round of the 2022 NFL draft. These two quarterbacks I believe should be on the Steelers radar.

QB Spencer Rattler, University of Oklahoma

Spencer Rattler would be a great fit here in Pittsburgh. His stock has gone down a bit this year so I believe trading up for him wouldn’t be an issue for this draft. As a redshirt freshman at Oklahoma, Rattler played and started in 11 games completing 214 of 317 pass attempts which gave him a 67.5 completion percentage.

He threw for 3031 yards averaging 9.6 yards an attempt. He finished the year throwing for 28 touchdowns and 7 interceptions and helped Oklahoma to a 9-2 season. He finished the year strong winning against the University of Florida in the Cotton Bowl 55-20 where he completed 14 of 23 pass attempts for 247 yards and 3 touchdowns. He also ran for 46 yards with a rushing touchdown.

Speaking of Rattler and his mobility, in 2020 he ran 81 times for 160 yards and 6 rushing touchdowns. I believe the Steelers need a dual-threat quarterback like Rattler. The NFL has changed and the mobile quarterback is the new model for success. So far in 2021, Rattler has been productive but a little underwhelming in some scouts’ eyes. I think this could work in the Steelers favor.

In 3 games, Rattler has completed 74 of 99 passes which is a 74.7 completion percentage. He has 7 passing touchdowns and 2 interceptions on the short year. He has rushed 18 times for 71 yards and 2 touchdowns. Their opponents have not been very good, however. In those 3 games, Oklahoma has played Tulane, Western Carolina, and Nebraska. Regardless, Kevin Colbert should keep his eyes on Rattler for the remainder of the season.

QB Malik Willis, Liberty University

The transfer from the University of Auburn has been nothing short of impressive since heading to Liberty University. In his first year with the Flames, he helped the team win 10 games only losing to North Carolina State. He completed 64.2 percent of his passes and threw for 2250 yards. He had 20 touchdowns and only 6 interceptions. He averaged 8.5 yards per throw.

Willis also ran 141 times for 944 yards with 14 touchdowns. That defines what a mobile quarterback is. In just 3 games in the 2021 season, Willis has already thrown for 7 touchdowns and 0 interceptions. He has completed 71.0 percent of his passes and thrown for 613 yards.

He also has rushed for 225 yards with 4 rushing touchdowns. I believe he has a chance to move his draft stock into the first round if he keeps this up. He would be a great addition to the young Steelers offense.

Willis is already showing this year that he has worked on his passing accuracy which will help him going forward. I believe Matt Canada needs this type of quarterback for his offense to be successful. Hopefully, the Steelers and Kevin Colbert feel the same way.