Steelers 2022 mock draft: Pittsburgh prioritizes OL and secondary

Steelers 2nd-round pick: Cincinnati CB Ahmad Gardner

I also had Gardner in my first mock but his play has made me move him up. ‘Sauce’ is a tall and physical cornerback who shows good man coverage skills. He has good anticipation reading the routes. He shows an aggressive attitude to play the slot and enough speed for the outside.

Teams haven’t been throwing in Gardner’s direction, much, in 2021. In 27 career games, Gardner has 75 tackles, 1.0 for a loss, and 0.5 sacks. He’s recorded 8 interceptions, including 2 pick sixes and 14 pass deflections. Gardner could be a first-year starter in the slot while being groomed for the outside.

Steelers 3rd-round pick: Alabama DT Phidarian Mathis

Phidarian Mathis draws double teams and can drive an offensive lineman back into the QB. He has enough quickness to be used in stunts. He shows good hand use and leg drive. He can stack and shed blockers. Mathis is an effective run stuffer who can also bring some interior pass pressure. He is a high-energy player who shows good hustle when the play moves away from him.

Mathis has the power game to play nose tackle and is agile enough to play across the defensive line. He had 31 tackles (5 for loss), 1.5 sacks, 3 quarterback pressures, 3 pass deflections, and 1 forced fumble in rotation in 2020. Mathis is another player who can be inserted into the lineup, immediately.