3 pressing needs for Steelers in the upcoming 2022 NFL Draft

Steelers 2nd biggest need: Quarterback

Despite Ben Roethlisberger dealing with injuries and general decline over the past few seasons, the highest the Steelers have drafted a quarterback during his tenure was Mason Rudolph in 2018. Now that Ben is planning to hang up his cleats after the season, finding his replacement immediately is unlikely. The 2022 class of passers is considered by most evaluators as a mixed bag at best, and I couldn’t agree more. Early favorites for the top prospect include Ole Miss’s Matt Corrall, Nevada’s Carson Strong, Liberty’s Malik Willis, and Pittsburgh’s Kenny Pickett.

Several others are likely to hear their name called on draft day, but the Steelers should be wary of selecting a QB with one of their early picks. The roster has too many needs to be taking a young QB high, especially with the state of the offensive line. No pick is ever a sure thing, but this class of passers has too many question marks to invest premium a pick. Taking a shot at the position in the 3rd round or later would be a safer bet, and there are some intriguing guys that may be available.

North Carolina’s Sam Howell, Western Kentucky’s Bailey Zappe, and Kentucky’s Will Levis (if he declares) could replace Rudolph as a developmental QB. Combined with a veteran passer to help keep the team competitive, it feels like the most likely scenario. Fans may not like it, but I don’t think head coach Mike Tomlin wants to hand the keys to a rookie QB.