Steelers secure best players available in 2022 seven-round mock draft

Steelers third-round pick, EDGE Brenton Cox, Florida

With their 3rd selection, the Steelers still have several needs to address. Do they go wide receiver, cornerback, safety? No, They take another edge rusher. The thinking here is the Steelers have T.J. locked up for the next few seasons, and the best thing you can do to help a secondary is add additional pass rushers to disrupt the opponents passing game. With a quarterback scrambling, he’s prone to making erratic passes, taking some pressure off the secondary.

Enter Brenton Cox to stand 6’4” and 250 pounds.  He has a lot of versatility and the ability to play the 4-3 or the 3-4 at outside linebacker. With a talent that allows him to drop into coverage as well, many scouts project him to play the outside linebacker in the NFL.

Cox’s best attribute is he has great upper body strength and impressive leg drive, allowing him to bull rush his opponent. He could be a great compliment to T.J. Watt.

If he has any downside, it’s a fact Cox lacks flexibility in trying to bend around the edge. Flexibility is a trait that tends to attract NFL teams thus which is perhaps why he drops to a day two selection. Still, he has a style of play Steelers’ fans enjoy watching and could quickly become a fan favorite.