In 2021 nearly everyone and rightfully so assumed the Steelers would take a running back in the first round, and they did.
In 2022, it seems it’s a forgone conclusion the Steelers will draft a quarterback with their first pick, right or wrong. If you play the odds, that may end up being a safe bet. t’s hard to see the Steelers not targeting a quarterback with their first selection when faced with Big Ben’s impending retirement.
However, it’s always possible the Steelers roll the dice and perhaps target the best available with their number one selection and address the quarterback need simultaneously. Many believe this might be the best option. Sure some disagree, but at the end of the day, regardless of how they draft, there will be critics on both sides making arguments unless they happen to land in the Superbowl.
So potentially, there could be a happy medium. In 2021 we had a run on quarterbacks in the first round, so thankfully, not as many teams need a quarterback headed into 2022. Defensive players and linemen may dominate the first round. Meaning several of the available quarterbacks may fall to the second round.
So in this first edition of a way to early mock draft, the Steelers managed to take the best player available. All the while still addressing the potential gap at the quarterback slot if Ben Roethlisberger lives up to what he said and decides to call it quits at the end of the 2021 season.
Without further ado, here is the Steelers’ 2022 draft class.