3 high-profile quarterbacks Steelers should avoid in the 2022 NFL Draft

Carson Strong, Nevada

Carson Strong is a terrific leader. He had a very productive 2021 season in which he threw for over 4,100 passing yards with 36 touchdowns and 8 interceptions, according to Sports Reference, and he has gotten better as a passer each year.

However, Strong is a very important trait that causes him to slip down my draft board: He’s an awful athlete. Twenty years ago, this wouldn’t have mattered so much. Most starting quarterbacks weren’t known for their athleticism. Unfortunately, I’m not sure how well Strong is going to be able to function in an NFL pocket with his severe lack of mobility.

Strong is a sitting duck back there. Despite his 6’4” frame and ability to rip the ball down the field, he rarely is able to make the first defender miss and offers nothing in terms of getting outside the pocket and making plays.

While we all need our next quarterback to be able to work from timing in the pocket, Strong’s lack of foot quickness and pocket awareness would be a disaster for a team that doesn’t have a great offensive line. Because of this, Carson Strong should be viewed as just a backup QB at the next level.