Steelers mock draft: Pittsburgh lands a fan favorite and builds trenches
By Tommy Jaggi
Pittsburgh has a lot of needs to fill this April. Here’s why I have them landing a prominent QB prospect and building the trenches in my latest Steelers mock draft.
The 2022 Senior Bowl is now in the rearview mirror, and have perhaps a bit clearer understanding of who the Pittsburgh Steelers could be targeting in the NFL Draft.
With Pittsburgh’s brass on hand in Mobile, Mike Tomlin and Kevin Colbert took an obvious interest in the group of young quarterbacks during Senior Bowl week. Barring a splash move during the free agency period, it appears likely that this could be where Pittsburgh looks early in the draft.
The Steelers have some pressing needs entering the 2022 offseason — particularly in the trenches. Here’s who I have them selecting in my latest seven-round mock draft:
Quarterback. Panthers . Kenny Pickett. 1. player. 866.
Steelers mock draft round 1: QB Kenny Pickett
I’ve seen ranging opinions on Pitt QB Kenny Pickett and his performance during Senior Bowl Week. While some think he was the most impressive player there, others weren’t impressed by his pedestrian arm and fumble issues under center. I tend to fall somewhere between these two conclusions.
What really matters though is how the Steelers view Kenny Pickett. There was a rumor during the 2021 season that Pittsburgh would prefer Sam Howell over Kenny Pickett because of the tools and upside, but I can’t confirm this to be the case. Pickett is arguably the safest and most pro-ready QB in the 2022 NFL Draft class, and that could sway the front office to go this direction.
With Malik Willis off the board, I had Pittsburgh selecting Pickett over other available QB options like Matt Corral and Sam Howell. Though I think his average tools and arm talent could limit his upside at the next level, I have the Steelers taking a plug-and-play quarterback to fill the void left by Ben Roethlisberger.
Because of his ties to the city and familiarity with the team and coaching staff, Pickett is sure to be a fan favorite this April, and I think he’s a player the front office could get behind as well.