3 NFL Draft predictions for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2022

Every NFL draft is the same routine. Fans trying to figure out whom their team will select with that first pick. It’s no different for Steelers fans either.

With their wave of free-agent signings, the Steelers addressed several team positional needs and have given themselves a lot more room in the draft to be more strategic about their selection. They do not have to overreach for any single player because they have a specific need at a certain position.

A perfect example is rushing out and drafting a quarterback only because Ben Roethlisberger retired. Or if they draft a wide receiver because JuJu Smith Schuster found a new home with Kansas City.

Steelers Draft Strategy

Take the Carolina Panthers. Many assume they will take a quarterback with their first pick at number six. With their head coach is on the hot seat, he thinks replacing Sam Darnold is the quick solution. While he could replace Darnold, none of the rookies in this year’s draft would be able to fix their offensive woes.

The logical conclusion would be to stick with Sam Darnold and take the best offensive lineman available at number six. While Darnold may continue to play lousy, he’s better protected, plus it helps Christian McCaffery. Taking a quarterback is an overreach, essentially.

The point is the Steelers at least have options; they can decide which player best fits their team’s needs. They do not have to overreach and take a player they hope will solve a particular issue when that player will do no such thing.  Obviously, the Steelers will have a shortlist of candidates.

Then Pittsburgh looks to see if they feel they can get a particular player at the 20th selection, who goes off the board with earlier picks, and will they need to make a trade to get the player they want. Keeping that in mind, here are three bold predictions for the Steelers 2022 draft.