4 glaring needs Steelers must address in the 2022 NFL Draft

Cornerback

Eventually, the fountain of youth is going to run dry for Joe Haden, and history tells us that there has been a rapid decline in play for quarterbacks at age 32. Furthermore, the Steelers declined to give Haden an extension prior to the start of the season, and his Tweets suggest that this will be it for him in Pittsburgh. To be honest, it’s probably for the best as the Steelers will need to begin a rebuild.

Behind Haden, the depth is razor-thin. Cameron Sutton has been a very solid football player. He’s got the versatility to cover outside or in the slot and showcases sticky coverage and great instincts. However, it’s a nightmare after him on the depth chart right now.

James Pierre has earned the start with Joe Haden out with a groin injury in Week 2, but the results were not good. In his first two games, Pierre has allowed far too much separation in coverage and has surrendered 9 receptions on 13 targets for 107 yards, according to Pro Football Reference.

In addition, it’s unlikely that either Justin Layne or Ahkello Witherspoon could be long-term answers at cornerback and both players have expiring contracts after the 2021 season.

It’s been forever since the Steelers have hit on a cornerback in the first two rounds of the NFL Draft, and their poor success rate could make them shy away from trying to find one early next April. However, this is certainly a big need moving forward.

Our hope is that some of these glaring needs will prove to be far less pressing by the end of the season. But as of now, these four positions are sure to be addressed in the 2022 NFL Draft.