The 2021 Pittsburgh Steelers have been disappointing all around the board. Here is my Steelers mock draft for their first three rounds in the 2022 NFL Draft.
The Steelers have traded away their 4th round, 5th round, and 6th round picks in the upcoming 2022 NFL Draft. This makes their first three picks even more important. Here is my first three-round mock draft for the Pittsburgh Steelers:
Steelers 1st-round pick: QB Matt Corral, Ole Miss
In my previous article, I mentioned two quarterbacks I thought should be on the Steelers radar. The two quarterbacks mentioned were Malik Willis and Spencer Rattler. Those two quarterbacks will most likely be mid to late 1st round choices.
Corral, however, will most likely be a top 5-10 pick. The way the Steelers are playing, I think they have a chance to actually draft that high next year. With their first-round pick, the Steelers select QB, Matt Corral.
Matt Corral is turning heads this year and rightfully so. The 6’1” 198 lbs quarterback has been one of the best at his position in the early 2021 college season. In 4 games, he has completed 87 of his 125 passes which gives him a current 69.6 completion percentage. He currently has 10 touchdowns passes to 0 interceptions.
Clearly, he is making better decisions so far this year compared to 2020. Last year he did complete 70.9 percent of his passes but threw for 29 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. If he can continue to make the right reads and keep the interceptions low, his stock will continue to rise.
He does have some mobility as well. In 2020, he rushed 112 times for 506 yards and 4 touchdowns. In 2021, he has rushed 33 times for 158 yards and 5 touchdowns. This has him currently at 4.8 yards a carry. He is the type of quarterback the Steelers need to be successful next year.
Scored from far ✅ pic.twitter.com/bc2XSu2WC9
— Ole Miss Football (@OleMissFB) September 19, 2021
Steelers 2nd-round pick: OT Rasheed Walker, Penn State
Every Steelers fan knows the offensive line has been disappointing in the first 3 games of the year. This position is a need for Pittsburgh. In the 2nd round of the 2022 draft, the Steelers will select OT, Rasheed Walker from Penn State University.
Walker stands at 6’6’ and weighs 320 lbs. He is known to be a very good run blocker which the Steelers need. He is also a reliable pass blocker. What really impressed me with Walker was when Penn State played #22 Auburn and their offensive line gave up 0 sacks. He just needs more experience to become a more developed and trusted offensive tackle..
Walker typically plays left tackle which is the blind side for a right-handed quarterback.
Coming out of high school, he was heavily recruited by the likes of Ohio State, Penn State, and Maryland.
According to 247 Sports, he was the #3 ranked OT and has proven the scouts right on the field. The offensive line for Penn State has been one of the reasons why they are currently ranked in the top 5 teams in college. Having Matt Corral and Rasheed Walker on this team next year will change things for this offense and franchise.
Watching some college film I have (I'm going to be part of a big draft guide this year so I have to start early lol). Penn State LT Rasheed Walker shows a lot of good things on film. Strong grip, good power, knows how to attack leverage. Think he's a tad stiff but I like him pic.twitter.com/jODgyxbOt4
— Zach Hicks (@ZachHicks2) September 20, 2021
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.