3 NFL Draft predictions for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2022

The Steelers take David Ojabo at #52

As far as predictions go, this one may be a slight stretch. Then again, weirder things have happened in the NFL draft. David Ojabo was a sure-fire first-round draft choice. Then he tore his Achilles tendon at Michigan’s pro day. The injury has left a dark cloud hanging over his draft status.

An Achilles injury is always severe. The Rams running back Cam Akers had the same injury, and he returned in about six months, right near the end of the season. He was very productive in those last few weeks, and his play was limited. Doctors have put Ojabo on the same timeline as Akers.

In another comparison, Dayo Odeyingbo suffered a similar pre-draft injury, in 2021. He dropped out of the first round to the Colts in the late second round. Odeyingbo missed half of the 2021 season before he recovered and could play.

So, in this case, Ojabo falls to the 2nd round. It makes too much sense if He’s on the board at the 52nd pick. The Steelers have to take him. Why? The Steelers already have T.J. Watt, and with Devin Bush and the addition of Miles Jack, they could afford to let Ojabo sit and heal before returning. No need to rush his return. If they play it that way, let him return when ready; you know his potential, adding Ojabo to the T.J. Watt pass rush; that would be fun to watch.