The NFL draft is just around the corner as these team will try their best to secure good prospects for their clubs.
The Steelers head into this mock draft with many different holes to fill. It seems like they will be more active than normal during the free agency process than they normally are. Those free agency signings will also help define what the club will prioritize when the draft comes around.
They seem to want a quarterback badly and they could add one in free agency and potentially in the draft. Taking one in that event will cost a pretty penny to move up and select one of substance. The Steelers have some options still, even after the crazy day of news that recently occurred in the league.
The NFL world was rocked after some big quarterback news occurred. Aaron Rodgers signed a mega-deal to stay with the Packers. Even more surprising news came out of Denver. Russell Wilson was traded from the Seattle Seahawks to the Denver Broncos for a major haul of draft picks and players. It was something that doesn’t happen often in the NFL but now the Seahawks hold the ninth overall pick.
Many have speculated that Seattle could be interested in one of these top quarterbacks, but they will still need to fight for one even though they hold the ninth selection. This mock draft was able to see some of that quarterback craziness play out. Teams had to move up to select a player that they liked and refused to stand pat. It is going to be interesting how some clubs view this class as they are not the best crop of signal-callers when compared to other classes coming out recently.
Some teams still made some moves around the first round to get some more draft capital while others stood pat and trusted their process. Many teams need a franchise quarterback but most of them will need to settle for taking a safer option and push that need down the line. This will be a fun draft and trades will happen. It is just unknown which clubs will be the most aggressive in moving up and other teams that are willing to move back.
1.01, Jacksonville Jaguars: Evan Neal, OT, Alabama
The Jaguars head into this draft with their quarterback of the future in place. Last season was a disaster so the change of coaching and staff will hopefully do the trick. This pick could go a couple of different ways, but it seems like a tackle taken first overall seems obvious.
The Jaguars need a solid player to protect Trevor Lawrence’s blindside. Evan Neal is very athletic for his size, and this should be a slam-dunk pick for this franchise that is trying to fix itself yet again.
1.02, Detroit Lions: Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE, Michigan
Detroit needs to draft the best player available, and they do that here. Their defense is still a mess but adding a player like Aidan Hutchinson will give them a great opportunity to build something.
This is a game-wrecking pass rusher that has a relentless motor. He only has one college season of disruptive tape but that was mostly due to prior injury years. This will be a cornerstone that the Lions can build around going forward.
1.03, Houston Texans: Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE, Oregon
This franchise might be in the worst position to succeed soon. They have no real direction, and they seem to be stuck now. They have a franchise quarterback, but he could potentially be out of the league at any moment due to potential legal actions in the future.
They are finally getting their first-round pick back, but they need young impact players to join the fold. Enter Thibodeaux, who has been in the spotlight since high school, and many expect him to just get better each year in the pros.
1.04, New York Jets: Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati
The Jets have some solid players in the safety department, but they still need work on the boundaries. This club is still rebuilding but they have some pieces moving forward. Many expect Derek Stingley Jr. to go here but the Jets decided to go for the player that has no injury history with a great track record to play the corner spot. This player has all the tools to become the next big-time player just like Darrelle Revis was. This is another option for the Steelers in the first round, but he won’t last long enough to reach pick 20.
1.05, New York Giants: Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame
This is the best safety in the draft coming out of college in a while. Kyle Hamilton slipped a little as many expect him to go before the fifth selection but the Giants get a solid player. They might not have a desperate need at safety but the upgrade at the position was too hard to pass up on. They get a solid player that can help secure the position for years to come.
1.06, Carolina Panthers: Ikem Ekwonu
The Carolina Panthers have been irrelevant for many seasons now and they need to rebuild their team. They could always reach and go with a quarterback here but they still have Sam Darnold and others under contract for this season.
They can wait until next year to address that position, but the safe pick is getting the tackle here. Ikem Ekwonu is a bulldozer that can clear pathways with his physical demeanor that will help any offensive line come back to relevancy.
1.07, New York Giants: Jordan Davis, DT, Georgia
Jordan Davis is a crazy player that is a huge person physically and has amazing athletic traits. He will be a dominant force in the middle of a defense for many years to come. It will be interesting to see where he lands once the draft comes and goes but he is a first-round lock.
The Giants fell in love with him in this mock draft and were willing to go ahead and select him seventh overall. This pick could be the start of the trades when it comes to the quarterback carousel.
1.08, TRADE: Atlanta receives pick 11, 42, 2023 3rd rounder, Washington receives picks 8 and 2023 7th rounder.
Washington Commanders: Malik Willis, QB, Liberty
Malik Willis is coming off the best pre-draft process of all the quarterbacks in this class thus far. He has shown the highest ceiling moving forward and that will make him in talks to be the first signal-caller selected when the QB names start getting called.
Washington felt the need to move in front of the Seahawks and get their guy after being turned down to acquire Russel Wilson. They did go out and trade for Carson Wentz but he is not a future guy, he is a bridge-style quarterback. Allowing Willis time to learn behind an experienced signal-caller will help him a lot in his development. The Steelers lose out on their top choice for quarterback well before their selection.
1.09, Seattle Seahawks: Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State
Charles Cross is one of the better prospects in this draft class that hasn’t gotten much attention. The Seahawks are rumored to like Malik Willis, but the Commanders jumped in front of them, so they need to turn to plan B.
They could always take another quarterback here, but they have a lot of work to do in this rebuild. Hey, go the safer route and focus on the offensive line for their future player that’ll call the plays behind center. Many would love to see Cross fall to the Steelers but that is far from likely to happen.
1.10, New York Jets: Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State
Garrett Wilson is an explosive player coming out of Ohio State. He does his best after the catch with his explosive capabilities. The Jets got some addition on defense earlier but now they get a new target to hopefully help Zach Wilson move along into a better sophomore season. It is going to take some time until the Jets see results, but these are two solid picks in the top ten for their club.
1.11, Atlanta Falcons: Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama
Jameson Williams would have been in talks to be the first receiver taken in this draft, but he suffered a knee injury in the national championship game. His explosiveness on a football field will still have teams interested. The Falcons just lost a receiver to a yearlong suspension so they will desperately be in need of one. Getting Williams is a gamble here but when he comes back healthy, it will be well worth the wait.
1.12, Minnesota Vikings: Kenyon Green, OG, Texas A&M
Kenyon Green has been expected to be a top pick in the draft since last season. He will still go in the first round, but some have raised concerns since his poor combine in February. Now he moves forward with that in tow, but his great tape will keep him in early discussions for many teams. The Vikings still need answers across their interior offensive line and Green would secure that. Another option for the Steelers comes off the board early.
1.13, Cleveland Browns: Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State
Chris Olave would be a nice selection for the Browns as they keep the local product in the state. He played his college ball at Ohio State and was a part of a solid one-two punch with Garrett Wilson. Olave is the best route-runner in this draft class. Jarvis Landry could be leaving the team so another receiving option will need to be brought in. The browns are in a state of flux right now, but they get a solid playmaker here.
1.14, Baltimore Ravens: Tyler Linderbaum, OC, Iowa
The Ravens go the offensive route even though there are some solid values on the board still. Linderbaum was just too hard to pass up on at this point, especially with them potentially losing their center via free agency. The Ravens draft his replacement, and this prospect might be an upgrade. They can help protect their franchise quarterback better and keep him healthy going forward by making this selection. Steelers fans will despise the sight of this prospect falling to a division foe.
1.15, Philadelphia Eagles: Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah
The Eagles have many holes to fill but they are going to be competitive in the NFC East division going forward. They have some solid building blocks to keep in the playoff hunt for years to come. Having three first-round picks is another bounty of wealth that they carry with them.
They take Devin Lloyd with their first selection and that is solid value here. Lloyd will help sure up the middle of their defense and bring some abilities that they have been lacking on their defense.
1.16, Philadelphia Eagles: Derek Stingley Jr., CB, LSU
Derek Stingley Jr. fell a good amount in this mock draft, and this would be a surprise. He has had many injury concerns over the last two seasons at LSU. He has not played at an elite level since his freshman season because of that. He still has the best ceiling of all the cornerbacks coming out in the draft, but he also has concerns. This is a high-value pick for the Eagles, and they address another major concern with their defense.
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.
1.18, New Orleans Saints: Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa
The Saints could be in the quarterback market in this draft and the potential for a trade-up is there. They are currently in major cap issues and will have a ton of needs throughout the offseason. It seems like the Saints days of competing is over as they will need to retool their team. Their starting left tackle will likely leave in free agency so a replacement will need to be brought in.
Trevor Penning plays nasty and will try to bully each defender that he plays against. They missed out on Pickett in this scenario with the Steelers trading up, but they get a promising young tackle from a small school.
1.19, Philadelphia Eagle: George Karlaftis, EDGE, Purdue
George Karlaftis is another player that slipped in this mock draft. The Eagles really made some strides and nice selections in this scenario. They were able to get three solid difference-makers on the defensive side of the ball. Karlaftis is someone that many haven’t spoken about much leading up to the draft, but many expect him to go in the top 20 or earlier. He fell some here but it’s a great spot for him to land.
1.20, LA Chargers: Zion Johnson, OG, Boston College
Zion Johnson was projected to be an early second-round pick before the Senior Bowl happened. After that event, in which he showed great abilities and skill, he shot his name into the first-round conversation. Many expect him to go at some point in the later portions of the first round.
The Chargers were able to trade back and still address a need to protect Justin Herbert. Their offensive line is solid for the most part but adding this player only secures that group even more. This player has had many connections to the Steelers and could be in consideration if there is no quarterback available.
1.21, New England Patriots: Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington
This team has a track record of getting cornerback talent late in the draft and developing them into special players. They need a starter for next year since J.C. Jackson will be gone in free agency. Trent McDuffie is a solid prospect that many are starting to notice more. He has started rising up draft boards recently and seems to be a first-round lock at this point, he could be in the Steelers conversation.
1.22, Las Vegas Raiders: Travon Walker, Georgia
The Raiders have a great player on one side of their edge with Maxx Crosby. They need another impact player on the opposite side to help alleviate the pressure on him to perform. Travon Walker will do just that, and he can help by adding his own pass rush prowess. This team will also need to address some needs but getting stronger at getting after the passer will help many flaws in the secondary.
1.23, Arizona Cardinals: Andrew Booth Jr., CB, Clemson
This pick could go in many different directions. The Cardinals need an edge rusher, but they could also focus on the offensive line. They decide to add to the secondary as many corners have come off the board. This defense has shown some improvement over the last couple of seasons, and they could get better by selecting Booth. He didn’t have his best season last year, but he is a prime candidate to be a value pick.
1.24, Dallas Cowboys: Jaqaun Brisker, S, Penn State
Two years in a row the Cowboys pick someone from Penn State. It worked out nicely for them last time and they dip back into that pool again here. Many have Brisker going in the second round, but he has a ton of promise at the next level. Getting better in the secondary might be the best move for Dallas going forward. The Steelers will hope that Brisker falls to their second-round pick, that would be great value.
1.25, Buffalo Bills: Drake London, WR, USC
Drake London is coming off a season-ending injury that took away his final college football season. He still has all the size and intangibles that teams look for in their wide receivers. The Bills don’t desperately need another receiver but it is never a bad idea to add to that room. Getting another weapon for josh Allen will only make this team stronger.
1.26, Tennessee Titans: Kaiir Elam, CB, Florida
Elam was a prospect praised before the 2021 season. He did not play poorly but others that also hold his position played better. He is a solid corner with the athleticism that NFL clubs are looking for. The Titans need to add to their secondary so they can sure up the defense.
1.27, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jermaine Johnson, EDGE, Florida State
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers could be looking for a quarterback of their own but it is not likely going to happen this season. Tom Brady retired and this teams Super Bowl window is sealed shut. It is going to take time for this club to figure out that position but they did draft Kyle Trask in 2021. Getting stronger on defense will be their best chance for success in 2022.
1.28, Green Bay Packers: David Ojabo, EDGE, Michigan
Green Bay gets lucky here as David Ojabo slipped the entire way down to pick 28. He is a very underrated player and someone that could interest the Steelers if the draft doesn’t fall in their favor.
The Packers need help in different areas but a pass rusher on the outside might be the most glaring need. Ojabo will make a huge impact from day one. The Steelers could sneakily be interested in this pass rusher if the draft doesn’t fall their way.
1.29, Miami Dolphins: Nakobe Dean, LB, Georgia
Nakobe Dean is another Georgia Bulldog that makes this list of his fellow teammates being taken in the first round. He is a great middle-of-the-field linebacker that will help this Dolphins team. He is an upgrade over some of their starters on the team. He will help provide what the franchise wanted from Kyle Van Noy from a couple of free-agent signings ago.
1.30, Kansas City Chiefs: Lewis Cine, S, Georgia
The Chiefs are still trying to get back to the Super Bowl yet again as they remain all-in. They will be losing some players to free agency so they could go in a few different directions here. They decide to go safety and select Lewis Cine, another Georgia product. They need to sure up the secondary as it continues to hamper them at certain points of the season.
1.31, Cincinnati Bengals: Perrion Winfrey, DT, Oklahoma
Perrion Winfrey was one of the standouts on defense during the Senior Bowl. He is having a solid pre-draft process and that could potentially get a team to select him in the late portions of the first round. The Bengals got the whole way to the Super Bowl last season, and they need some help, particularly on the offensive line. They decide to go against that judgment and strengthen their defense.
1.32, Detroit Lions: Sam Howell, QB, North Carolina
This would be an interesting way to end night one of the draft. Sam Howell had some great seasons before his last during his time at North Carolina. The Steelers could be interested in him with their first two selections, but it doesn’t seem likely in round one. The Lions got a good setup where Howell can sit behind a starter and grow before he starts a game.
The Steelers will need a perfect scenario for one of the top two quarterbacks to fall to them but it isn’t impossible. This mock draft saw teams get many needs addressed in round one as some names fell while others went earlier than expected.