The Pittsburgh Steelers are starting to turn things around in 2021 but they have a lot of work ahead of them in 2022.
The 2021 season is just over the halfway point so another mock draft is ready to go. The 2022 NFL Draft is going to be very important for the Steelers immediate future. They will have tons of holes across the roster and they will need to find answers.
There will probably be needs for a starting cornerback, quarterback, safety, wide receiver, offensive line, and potentially other positions. There is going to be a lot of turnover on the roster by the time this offseason kicks into high gear. Luckily the team will have other ways of adding to this club besides just the draft process.
Pittsburgh will have a good chunk of cap space when free agency begins in the new league year of 2022. Bringing aboard free agents and taking away some of these needs could make a draft class even stronger. The focus on adding free agents and bringing in talent through the draft will need to happen.
The black and gold only have so many selections in this upcoming draft because of trades. They will have their own first, second, third, sixth (from Kansas City), and two sevenths. This mock draft will allow simulated trades to occur.
The positioning of the picks is based on the current NFL standings which will switch around as the season progresses. Currently, the Steelers would hold a selection in the 20s, number 20 overall in this instance. It will be one of the most important drafts for this franchise in recent history.
Their selections here will pave a path of either success or failure for the next couple of years. They need to stick with their guns and trust the process that has worked well for this team. Without further ado, let’s get into the picks
Round 1, Pick 32: Sam Howell, QB, North Carolina
TRADE: Pittsburgh receives pick 32, 97, & 2023 2nd rounder, Arizona receives pick 20
Sam Howell slipped in this mock draft but many expect him to be a potential early selection this year. He is one of the top five quarterbacks in this grouping in 2022. He has a nice resume complete with all the athletic traits that NFL teams are searching for.
He has not had the best season so far in 2022 but that is not entirely his fault. The team around him is just not the best supporting cast to help elevate his play. This prospect is not getting as much attention as other prospects in this class like Kenny Pickett and Matt Corral are.
Howell is still putting up good numbers and the Steelers picking him at 32 is a great spot. They can bring on more picks into the future and get the fifth-year option with this quarterback. Howell has the same body type as Baker Mayfield but he has a higher ceiling in the right system. His mobility will entice this franchise under the direction of offensive coordinator, Matt Canada.
This would be an ideal scenario for Pittsburgh as they get picks and still get their guy. They have shown a lot of interest in this player as the draft process continues to play out. Kevin Colbert has been in attendance for a few North Carolina games thus far.
Round 2, Pick 53: Lecitus Smith, OG, Virginia Tech
Trai Turner will probably be gone after the 2022 season so there will be a hole at one of the starting guard spots. A center could always be selected so Kendrick Green can slide back over to his natural position. The Steelers decide to keep him there and fill the void with Lecitus Smith.
This prospect has a bunch of experience as a third-year starter at Virginia Tech. The black and gold have been preaching physicality and nastiness for their young group upfront. Smith brings that with the hard-nosed tape that he produces.
This offensive line still needs work as they continue to improve every week. Smith would fill a need and bring in a day one starter. Building a protective front for their new franchise quarterback and opening holes for Najee Harris will be ideal.
Round 3, Pick 87: Jaquan Brisker, S, Penn State
Jaquan Brisker has been one of the best safeties in the country. He has been able to play near the line and across the secondary at Penn State. His experience and ability to play the run and pass is something truly unique about this player.
He is a local Pittsburgh kid so that would be a nice story as well. Terrell Edmunds will likely be departing the team after 2021 so his replacement will need to be found. You can find an improvement in Brisker who will give a big chance for Minkah Fitzpatrick to get even better.
Round 3, Pick 97: Zay Flowers, WR, Boston College
Zay Flowers is someone that could have a big conclusion to his year with his quarterback re-entering the fold. His numbers have dipped some since Phil Jurkovec was injured very early into the season. But now with his return, this receiver has been making plays again.
The black and gold are going to need playmakers to replace potential free-agent losses. James Washington and JuJu Smith-Schuster will likely leave the team during the offseason and those will be two huge shoes to fill. The depth at receiver will be shallow and Flowers will bring an element of explosiveness to this offense.
Round 5, Pick 177: Arnold Ebiketie, EDGE, Penn State
The Steelers were able to get a fifth-round compensatory pick in this situation and that helps fill the void of picks they gave up in trades. There is no depth behind T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith so bringing someone in this offseason is going to be a priority.
They wait until the fifth round but Pittsburgh took Arnold Ebiketie from Penn State. He plays the run very well and has some good pass-rush moves. He is not a finished product but a solid backup and special teams player. He would be a nice option for some defensive scenarios so Watt and Highsmith get a breather from time to time.
Round 6, Pick 208: Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu, OT, Oregon
Just imagine a Yinzer trying to say this name, it would be comedic gold. But the Steelers need to keep looking for answers across this offensive line. Right tackle has a bunch of question marks but so does the depth at both sides. Bringing in Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu will bring in competition for those depth spots.
Round 7, Pick 224: Corey Gaynor, OC, Miami-FL
Pittsburgh still lacks depth at positions across the offensive line. They need to bring in some competition and bodies to compete for the backup spots behind Kendrick Green. They get a long-time starter at Miami and someone that has a good chunk of experience at the position. He needs to push the backups and that could land him on the roster.
Round 7, Pick 242: Jack Sanborn, LB, Wisconsin
Jack Sanborn will be a good special teams player at the next level. The guy has a good motor and some promising traits that could lead to good results. He still needs work before he can become a starting linebacker in the NFL but his promise on special teams will get his foot in the door.
The depth at the inside linebacker spot for the black and gold is decent at the moment but it could become sparse after this year concludes. Bringing in competition for the bottom of the roster guys will be very important on a retooling club.
The Steelers were able to address some major needs in this mock draft. They will need to make some great selections if they want to stay competitive in this tough AFC North division.