4 teams that could foil Pittsburgh Steelers NFL Draft plans in 2022

Baltimore Ravens: 14th overall pick

Unlike Carolina, Denver, and Washington, the Ravens are not in the market for a quarterback. There is only one real leading prospect at the moment for the Ravens, Charles Cross the OT from Mississippi State.

Right now, projections have Cross landing with the Ravens in 17% of mock drafts. However, as  April rolls around, the percentage could increase. Except for the quarterback position, the Ravens also have cornerback, offensive line, and wide receiver needs. Many of the exact needs as the Steelers

What this means for the Steelers:

Baltimore’s pick here has more bearing on the Steelers if they plan to select an offensive line more than anything. Right now, mock drafts have Charles Cross falling to the Steelers 10% of the time, and he is the next highest prospect after Sam Howell.

There is no doubt that Cross would upgrade the Steelers offensive line immediately, and if he falls to the 20th selection, he would be the highest-rated offensive lineman on the board. Taking Cross at 20 is almost a no-brainer. However, there is no guarantee Cross stays on the board. Baltimore certainly might if Carolina does not take Cross with the sixth pick.

While Cross is a beast and fits the mold of a Steelers player, if they lose out on Cross, the upshot is there are still plenty of offensive linemen left. You have Kenyon Green and Tyler Linderbaum, who fall to the Steelers in mock drafts 27% of the time. If you add Cross, the Steelers target offensive linemen at a projected rate of 28%. So if the Steelers do not opt for the quarterback, it makes Baltimore’s pick quite relevant to the Steelers.

In 2022 mock drafts vary wildly as to who goes in the first selection overall. Evan Neal leads the pack at 39%, which will fluctuate as we near draft day. However, Lawrence was 100% the number one pick in all mock drafts last year. This uncertainty means opinions will vary wildly as to whom the Steelers take at the 20th pick unless Mike Tomlin makes his intentions known as he wanted with the Devin Bush selection.

There will be numerous variables, including perhaps the Saints selection at 18  that may depend on how the draft plays out and determine who’s name gets called at the podium for the 20th selection.