The Steelers have addressed many needs in free agency but they still have some work to accomplish in the draft.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have been active in free agency thus far. They have filled holes at different starting spots across their lineup. They have brought in a starting guard, offensive lineman, cornerback, and quarterback. Some of these are upgrades while others seem to be fillers.
There is still a lot of work to accomplish to fill out this roster with depth and provide some starters across this lineup that will take the field in 2022. It seems like Pittsburgh could be out on certain positions that they added to in free agency.
It seems that the interior of the offensive line will not be a major focus, especially early on in the draft. Mason Cole and James Daniels provide stability and flexibility for the interior of this line. The competition that they bring will create an improved front.
Cornerback and quarterback were both addressed in free agency, but they could still get some other additions in the selection process. A new signal-caller could be selected if someone fell to the Steelers, which many are not expecting to happen. If there is someone there like Kenny Pickett or Malik Willis that falls, the black and gold will look.
The club still desperately needs to find some more talent at the cornerback position. Levi Wallace was brought in, but he could have an upgrade brought in through the draft. There is still a giant hole on the opposite outside cornerback for this team and they will need to be found soon.
TRADE: Steelers receive picks, 32,66, and 97. The Lions receive pick 20 and 241.
1.32, Pittsburgh Steelers: Jaquan Brisker, S, Penn State
The Steelers had their top two quarterback targets come off the board and got a call from the Detroit Lions. A massive trade was brought up and the black and gold had no choice but to accept it. They gain two extra third-round picks to drop down 12 spots and give up one of their seventh-round picks.
This is a huge value and probably wouldn’t happen in real life but in this scenario, it did. Not only did Pittsburgh gain a wealth of selections, but they still got a solid prospect. They decide to go with a safety that can be deployed all over the field out of Penn State.
Jaquan Brisker is an interesting safety that would fit in the strong safety role for this defense. He played in that spot for the most part in his collegiate career. He is someone that seems to be a day two selection but there was a small reach here to get that fifth-year option with him.
There could be many names in the conversation for the first-round pick in 2022 but this would be a nice spot. Getting a haul of picks and trading down and getting a day one starter here would be an ideal scenario. This position can still get addressed in free agency, but perhaps double dipping would be the best option.
2.52, Pittsburgh Steelers: Skyy Moore, WR, Western Michigan
Skyy Moore was just sitting there for the taking in the second round of the draft. It seems likely as each day passes by that the Steelers will again focus on this position on day two of the draft. Moore fell to the team here and many will want the local kid to return home.
This player might be coming from a small school, but the team loves players that come from programs like this. They know how to evaluate and develop receivers and adding Moore to this group on the roster will be great. He is explosive in space and can play outside and inside in his deployment.
Getting stronger at the receiver spot will need to be a priority this offseason. The team has only two starters on the team upon writing this article. Even if there is another free agent added to this team, depth will be another need. This position was deep and talented last year and bringing that back this season will need to be a focus.
Luckily Pittsburgh knows how to replace players that they are losing only to find just as good prospects in the draft. It will be a task going forward and if a starter is brought signed onto the team, then this need could get pushed down some. Receiver will be selected at some point in the draft class for the Steelers in 2022.
3.66, Pittsburgh Steelers: Tariq Woolen, CB, UTSA
Tariq Woolen is the first choice of the Steelers third-round selections after the earlier trade. They decide to go cornerback here and select this defender from UTSA. This new program has made some interesting prospects in this draft.
This corner is a great athlete that broke onto the scene during the pre-draft process. He seems likely to go at some point on day two of the draft. He seemed to slip some here, but this is great value in the third round of the draft.
The Steelers desperately need depth and competition for the starting outside spots on the boundary of their defense. They get that here at this part of the selection process by getting someone that will come in and compete on day one. Woolen has the perfect size for an NFL corner and has blazing speed.
3.84, Pittsburgh Steelers: Nicholas Petit-Frere, OT, Ohio State
Nicholas Petit-Frere is next up for Pittsburgh as they get a solid tackle prospect coming out of Ohio State. He is not a finished product but he has a chance at becoming a decent right tackle at the next level. Chuks Okorafor was brought back but bringing in some young competition for both the starter and Joe Haeg is a must.
Tackle is now the weakest position on this offensive line. The interior was focused on during free agency and that has allowed for more comfort there. They need to secure the tackle spots and this selection will help with that.
3.97, Pittsburgh Steelers: Nik Bonitto, EDGE, Oklahoma
The Steelers move onto their last pick in the third round and get an edge rusher. The pick Nik Bonitto, no not the former hockey player, out of Oklahoma. He has been able to show his athleticism and ability to get after the passer. He would be a great addition as the third outside linebacker on this depth chart behind the two starters.
4.138, Pittsburgh Steelers: Leo Chenal, LB, Wisconsin
Leo Chenal in the fourth round would be the steal of the draft. He is projected to go in the second or third round so getting him in the fourth is highway robbery. He is a Steeler through and through as many see him wearing black and gold. He is a thumper that can develop into a three-down linebacker at the next level.
7.225, Pittsburgh Steelers: Julius Turner, DT, Rutgers
The last pick of this draft goes into the direction of the defensive line. This point in the draft call upon mostly special team contributors or project players. Turner is small for the next level and will have to put on weight at the next level to continue his development. The best thing about this player is his motor and ability to stay in each play. He never gives up on a play and you can’t teach that to a player.
The Steelers are going to need a nice haul at the draft with some impact players. They were able to get a nice haul of picks in a trade back here and get many solid prospects to help the team in 2022.