2022 NFL mock draft: Steelers find OL help after a run on quarterbacks

1.05, New York Giants: Kayvon Thibodeaux, Edge, Oregon

The New York Giants select one of the most highly proclaimed prospects in this draft. His ability to be a disrupter is a tough comparison to his peers. His time from high school and throughout college just screams superstar. The Giants get a major player on the defensive side of the ball that they desperately need.

1.06, Carolina Panthers: Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State

The Carolina Panthers could always go quarterback here, Steelers fans exhale that they don’t, but they go with the smarter option and take one of the top tackles. The quarterback class isn’t the strongest this year but they have a desperate coach down in Carolina so he could always bite.

Charles Cross is just a great prospect that could give one of their current signal-callers a chance to stay in the pocket. This will be another interesting candidate for the Steelers pick if he falls in the draft.

1.07, New York Giants: Ikem Ekwonu, OT, North Carolina State

The Giants are back on the clock and this is where a trade could happen on the first night and cause a shakeup. The men in blue stand pat and stick with their pick by selecting the most physical tackle in the draft.

This franchise needs to finally get that offensive front right and Ikem Ekwonu is the right step forward.

1.08, TRADE:

Washington receives picks 8 & 217, Atlanta receives picks 11, 75, 228, and 2023 second-rounder

Washington Football Team: Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh

The first trade occurs here as the Washington Football Team jumps over the Denver Broncos to take their favorite quarterback in this class. Kenny Pickett is the most pro-ready out of this group but his upside might be limited towards what Derek Carr turned out to be.

Washington desperately needs a playmaker and Pickett comes off the board though many Steelers fans will hope he drops to 20 when the actual draft happens.