5 early first-round draft targets for Pittsburgh Steelers in 2022

The Pittsburgh Steelers will have several big needs this offseason, here are some realistic first-round draft options in the 2022 NFL Draft. 

We know how fast the winds can shift when it comes to the game of football. Before the 2021 college football season, it looked like the Steelers would have to trade to the top of the draft in order to land a QB prospect like Sam Howell or Spencer Rattler. Half a year later and we are looking at Howell as a player who could potentially fall out of the first round, while Rattle is staying in school and will transfer to South Carolina.

Now that we are in the 2022 offseason, we have a much clearer picture of the players who could be available and who the Pittsburgh Steelers could be targeting this April. This list may change as we move further into the offseason, but here are five realistic candidates in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft:

Steelers could target Malik Willis

It’s beginning to look increasingly likely that Malik Willis is not going to be available when the 20th overall pick rolls around. However, that may not stop the Steelers from trying to move up in the draft to secure the quarterback they like.

Pittsburgh’s brass did a very poor job hiding their interest in Willis at the Senior Bowl, and he’s been one of the most frequently linked players to one individual team so far this offseason. Willis has the tools that Mike Tomlin desires at the quarterback position and his impressive arm and elite athleticism pop on tape.

Willis is not going to be ready to play right away, and he still has a ton of improving to do before he sees an NFL field. Still, I have a feeling that’s not going to stop the Steelers if this is indeed the guy they have their sights set on.