Steelers mock draft: OL, defense addressed instead of QB

With the Steelers overall underwhelming so far in 2021, here is an early mock draft for a team with an eye on the future.

While the Steelers still face a plethora of challenges this year, the 2022 offseason will present yet another tough challenge for the team. Another round of talent is set to depart while the team will be looking to improve upon a roster that could use a few solid pieces.

While a lot will change between now and the draft, this early mock draft hopes to address some of the bigger needs on the team and work around their lack of draft picks.

Logistics of this Steelers mock draft

In terms of pure draft capital, it is no secret that the Steelers don’t have a lot. After trading away their fourth-sixth-round picks, the team enters the draft with only five guaranteed picks. That said, with the free-agent loss of Bud Dupree, the team is relatively locked into a third-round compensatory pick. That will be included in this mock.

The compensatory fifth-round pick the team was slated to have is more questionable. Ahkello Witherspoon hasn’t played much, which means he may not end up qualifying. The same goes for Joe Haeg. While still up in the air, I don’t think the team will ultimately land the additional fifth-round pick. Thus, the team has a first, second, two-thirds, and two seventh-round picks in this mock.

As for some picks, many will point out that this draft ignores offensive tackle and quarterback early. For the quarterback, I don’t believe the team is in a good position to draft one in 2022, thus that position is ignored this year. As for tackle, Dan Moore has flashed some ability while Zach Banner is being banked on as their starting right tackle. If either flounder down the stretch, this mock would change, but as of now, there are greater needs. With all that said, here is an early look at a 2022 Steelers mock draft.