Steelers 3rd-round pick: CB Akayleb Evans, Missouri
Joe Haden is getting older and may not be resigned as he will test free agency. Cam Sutton is still a question mark and has not proven himself yet. That is why the Steelers will select cornerback, Akayleb Evans in the 3rd round of my 2022 mock draft.
Akayleb Evans is a very experienced cornerback. Before Missouri, he played for the University of Tulsa from 2017-2020. At Tulsa, he recorded 68 solo tackles, 25 assists, 1 sack, and 2 tackles for loss in 27 games. He transferred to the University of Missouri this year and has already been an impact on the field for them. In just three games for the Tigers, Evans has 10 solo tackles, 2 assists, and an Interception.
.@MizzouFootball CB @AkaylebEvans highly impressed in 2020 at Tulsa, and is off to a great start for 2021.
— Eric Galko (@EricGalko) September 17, 2021
Just 13 targets on 63 coverage snaps, with just 5 catches allowed (per @PFF_College). Long, physical, athletic as a corner with an incredibly high upside. #ShrineBowl #MIZ pic.twitter.com/Bjx6reSN5n
Akayleb Evans has been a significant addition to the Missouri defense this season after transferring from Tulsa.
— CFB Film Room (@CFBFilmRoom) September 23, 2021
Through three games, Evans has allowed just 4 receptions for 66 yards. pic.twitter.com/vjgAISPgwQ
The Steelers only have 1 interception on the year and are in need of a playmaker at the cornerback position. Evans is the kind of player that is all over the field and should help create some turnovers with his type of pressure.
With the Steelers drafting a QB in the first round, an OT in the 2nd round, and now a CB in the 3rd round, I believe this will reestablish their dominance in the AFC North. The Steelers will have to wait until the 7th round until they pick again unless they make some trades to move up.
If they do end up trading up in the draft, they need to continue drafting and helping the offensive line. Regardless of what they end up doing after round 3, these are players are who the Steelers need.