The Steelers have done a lot in free agency thus far but they still need to focus on these NFL Draft prospects to improve their roster in 2022.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have added some names through free agency to plug some holes. There can only be so much money spent before the team needs to turn back to their bread and butter, the draft. It will be a very important draft class for the black and yellow in 2022. These incoming rookies will help define how long this rebuild lasts.
Quarterback will still be under the microscope for this club as the draft gets closer, even with the addition of Mitch Trubisky. It is going to be something to watch as the day gets closer as the team could be interested in taking a project prospect at the position.
This team still needs to find other starters at this point and potential future players as well. As of now linebacker, offensive line, and the secondary seem to show massive holes to fill still. Even if the Steelers add to these positions in free agency, they might need to still look in the draft.
Honorable mentions
Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State
Charles Cross is one of the top tackles in this class and won’t likely be there when the Steelers pick. He needs to be on their radar, even after they brought back Chuks Okorafor with a new deal. Cross would be a huge upgrade and provide flexibility to the tackle spots.
Kenyon Green, OG, Texas A&M
Kenyon Green will be another interesting option for Pittsburgh, and he might actually fall to their pick. He is the best guard prospect in the draft and can play either side. Mason Cole was brought in via free agency, but he would be best as a stop-gap starter and great depth. Bringing in a building block for the offensive line would provide a huge upgrade. James Daniels was just signed so this seems less likely to happen. But upgrading over Kevin Dotson could always be an option.
Jaquan Brisker, S, Penn State
Jaquan Brisker is a prospect that has cooled down in the circles of the NFL. That is not because of his lack of skill and abilities, other prospects have just gotten more attention. Many experts still believe Brisker will be a second-day selection between the second and third rounds of the draft.
He projects to be a strong safety at the next level. He played all over the secondary during his time at Penn State and even got close to the line of scrimmage at points. He would be a perfect fit with the black and gold as they could be looking for a starting strong safety.
Terrell Edmunds is a free agent, but the team could be looking to sign one. Even if a player is brought in, it is time to look for other options and depth at the position. This prospect would be a huge upgrade and provide stability with Minkah Fitzpatrick in the safety spots.
The biggest concern here is if this player would still be available when it was time for the Steelers to select after round one. This would be a great get in the second round for Pittsburgh if he was still there. Also, the whole local kid playing for his hometown would be another great story during the draft. Brisker went to Gateway high school in Monroeville, Pennsylvania.
Andrew Booth Jr., CB, Clemson
Andrew Booth Jr. will be just one of the many cornerback prospects that will be connected to the Steelers. The draft will always have the black and gold connected to different players throughout the process and Booth will be no different.
He fits the bill for what Pittsburgh looks for in their first-round picks, a younger prospect. This player is only a Junior coming out of Clemson and has the size that a team is looking for in their starting corner. He has been able to stay on the field and create a first-round grade for himself in college.
His program had a down year, but Booth was able to keep his draft stock up. He even created the most turnovers in his career this past season. He showed an ability to make plays on the ball that was lacking more in previous years. The growth that Booth has shown from his first day on campus till now has been great.
His growth throughout his collegiate days has been evident. That will interest the Steelers at pick 20 and have some thought about selecting him. They will likely need another starting outside cornerback even if they sign a starter in free agency. There are two open starting spots on this defense as of now and Booth could fill one of those.
Leo Chenal, LB, Wisconsin
Linebacker is a need that many have not spoken much about for the Steelers. It is becoming a major concern right now as the team continues to address other needs in free agency. Perhaps the draft will become one of the better options for the club going forward.
Devin Bush will get one last shot as the main dog in the middle of this defense, but last season didn’t seem promising. Joe Schobert has not worked out and there is no starter that is solidified. There are too many question marks on this team right now when they need concrete answers.
Leo Chenal is one of the more underrated prospects in the 2022 NFL draft. He has a certain passion that he plays with that could remind fans of T.J. Watt coming out of Wisconsin. This prospect plays with physicality and has a nice ability to be a disrupter in the middle of the defense.
He would be a perfect fit in Pittsburgh as many would love to add a player like this to their locker room. Chenal would bring a new blitz-style linebacker that the team has been missing since Vince Williams retired. He needs to improve on his coverage abilities. but this would be a great addition on day two of the draft.
Western Michigan Broncos wide receiver Skyy Moore (24) Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Skyy Moore, WR, Western Michigan
This would be another hometown kid addition in this draft class. Skyy Moore hails from Shady Side High School, near Pittsburgh. He joined a small school and was able to catch the eye of NFL scouts. He is coming off a great pre-draft and could be a day two pick.
The Steelers love to select small school prospects on day two of the draft. That trend could continue here if Moore lasts for the black and gold in the second round. This is an explosive receiver that would look great in his hometown colors.
His work ethic is something that sticks out about this player. Moore has experience both outside and in the slot during his time at Western Michigan. That versatility will also create more interest from Pittsburgh.
They could be looking for a starting receiver, especially in the slot. Free agency is still playing out so that hole could be filled at any moment. Moore would be a cheap option that brings a new player into the fold.
He could have a big ceiling if he outworks everyone on the football field. His measurables will remind many of Antonio Brown and that’s a fair comparison. He might not have the same level of output, but he could make his own great career.
The Steelers have addressed some needs in free agency but there haven’t been too many upgrades thus far. There are still some holes to fill before the offseason concludes.