Steelers 2022 mock draft: DB and OL dominate early rounds

Steelers round 2:

With the defense getting addressed in the first round, the offensive line has to be the target next. An extremely intriguing prospect along the line is Boston Colleges Zion Johnson. While he has been playing offensive tackle since 2020, he played guard before that, and it is clearly his more natural fit. With Trai Turner likely gone after this season, the team will need a new guard to complete this young interior of the line.

Johnson can do it all at guard, as he is aggressive with his punch and has solid technique in both run and pass defense. As well, he has enough athleticism to pull him on running games for power runs. His move to tackle has drawn some questions, such as his length and technique when at tackle, but most of that should be alleviated if he kicks back inside as he played before his move to tackle.

Though I toyed with targeting a center in the first round and pushing Kendrick Green back to guard, it was ultimately the better value to attack this position in the second round of the draft. Now, the team can expect starting snaps out of both of their top two picks. Johnson is a bit older of a prospect, but he should be able to slide right in at guard for the foreseeable future.