Steelers trade up to get their new QB in this latest 2022 NFL mock draft

1.17, TRADE: LA Chargers receive picks 20, 138, and 2023 3rd rounder, Steelers receive picks 17 and 160.

The Steeler saw Kenny Pickett begin to slip and they couldn’t help themselves. They only had to give up a third-round pick next year and they exchange an earlier pick for one of the Chargers later ones. This would be one of the only scenarios where Pittsburgh would trade up to get a quarterback in this draft. It is unlikely that they will move up into the top ten to pick someone but if a player like Pickett falls, then all bets are off.

Pickett is coming off some questionable times during his pre-draft process so far. Many expected him to be the first quarterback selected but that has come into question. Malik Willis has his stock on the rise while Pickett has the opposite happening.

Many are concerned about his hand size and his lack of arm strength to push the ball down the field. Tape does not lie and this Pitt product has been able to turn his career into a first-round pick.

This would be a nice option for the Steelers, especially without many options on the free agency market. They could always bring in a bridge guy like Mitch Trubisky or Teddy Bridgewater. Even if they add in free agency, it is possible that they will still select a signal-caller with their pick, depending on how everything shakes out. Many don’t expect this scenario to happen, but it always could, especially if Pickett’s stock falls further.

There are currently about five or six teams in front of the Steelers that need a quarterback but, in this scenario, only one was selected before pick 17. But if everyone is taken at their word that this class is not as promising as others, then some might begin to slip. Teams have other needs and might accept their fate of rebuilding. Addressing other needs and trying to get ready for next year’s crop at the position might be a better option for some.