Steelers 2022 mock draft: Pittsburgh prioritizes OL and secondary

The Pittsburgh Steelers have several big needs to address in 2022. Here’s a look at my latest mock draft following the bye week. 

Looking at the Steelers roster there are big needs on the offensive line and in the secondary. Specifically, they need of help at offensive tackle, cornerback and strong safety. Safety is on here because the Steelers didn’t pick up Terrell Edmunds’ option. Head Coach, Mike Tomlin called Edmunds after the decision was announced and told him it doesn’t mean his time with the Steelers was over but Edmunds will be able to leave in free agency, next year if he finds a better situation.

James Washington will probably be gone next year, so there’s a need for wide receiver depth. Nose Tackle, Tyson Alualu’s season-ending ankle injury may also prove career-ending since he will be 35 years old coming into the 2022 season.

This makes interior D-line help a concern. Veteran CB, Joe Haden, has expressed he will test free agency in 2022 after a contract agreement couldn’t be reached before the 2021 season. This makes cornerback an even bigger need.

Why the Steelers won’t draft a QB

The reason is simple, there are next to no franchise QB prospects in this year’s draft. Matt Coral of Ole Miss is probably the lone exception and the NFL is QB starved, so he’ll go in the top ten picks. Another reason is superstar QB, Aaron Rodgers has made it clear he wants out of Green Bay and he’s made it equally clear he would be happy to come to Pittsburgh. Mike Tomlin has also stated he doesn’t want to start all over again with a rookie QB. Rodgers’ Packers contract renegotiation has an opt-out clause for the 2022 season.

Even though Rodgers is only one year younger than Ben Roethlisberger, at 37, he hasn’t seen near the mileage. He should have another five years or so of high-level performance. If the Rogers signing/deal can be made, it should be made.

If the Rogers doesn’t happen Russell Wilson and Matt Ryan lead a list of QBs who might be looking for a new home in 2022. There will be any number of veteran quarterbacks who would be better options than this weak QB class. Whoever comes will want a better O-Line than the Steelers currently have and Pittsburgh may have to bring in veterans to augment the draft.

Here’s a look at my latest Steelers mock draft in Pittsburgh’s midseason.