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

Steelers seventh-round pick Doug Nester OL: WVU

If anything, it’s an unwritten rule in the NFL that you can not have too many offensive linemen. They are the foundation of every NFL offense. Considering it’s an injury-prone position as well, you need backups. It helps if the backup is a giant as well.

Nester, is even larger than Cross at 6’7” and 304 pounds, although perhaps not as talented. However, given the Steelers’ needs at the offensive line to protect any new quarterback and to help the Steelers running game, the Steelers opted to take a second lineman in the draft.

While he may not be the same level of talent as Cross, he does have some similarities. Scouts say he has a mean streak, which allows him to coil and finish defenders on the ground, and one can see the level of nastiness in his style of play and can be a bully in the running game. He also has the versatility to play tackle if needed as well. With that, scouts also love his ability to move very well for his size.

His downside is he needs to improve his consistency with hand placement. Also, his pass protection is a bit lacking and needs work. Despite his size, he still needs work on his upper body strength. Nonetheless, the Steelers can use a player like Nester to help solidify and improve their offensive line in 2022.

Perhaps not a stellar draft compared to previous drafts in Steelers history. It allows the Steelers to address specific team needs by taking the best player available with each selection without overreaching and making poor selections to satisfy critics or fans. It allows the Steelers to rebuild methodically by filling the most important positions at which they can fill additional needs by tapping the free agency market or with undrafted rookies. It will be fascinating to see how the 2022 draft actually plays out though.