3 NFL Draft predictions for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2022
Steelers do not take a wide receiver before the 3rd round
Make no doubt the Steelers will take a wide receiver in the draft. There is an argument that they should take one in the first round. However, that won’t happen. Unless a top 40 receiver falls for some reason, the talent level perhaps drops off a bit more this year. No team will get a Chase Claypool-level quality receiver in 2022 beyond the 50th selection. So, in this case, wait until round three.
Keep in mind that the Steelers, even going back to Bill Cowher, have always managed to find talented receivers in the later draft rounds. Not that they all had long careers, they were productive to varying degrees. Some of those receivers are Diontae Johnson 3rd round 2019, Martavis Bryant 4th round 2014, Antonio Brown 6th round 2010, Mike Wallace 3rd round 2009, Hines Ward 3rd Round 1998, or John Stallworth 4th round 1974.
Knowing there is a talent drop-off headed into the second round, and knowing you also want a good value, wait until the third round, so you are not paying second-round money on a third-round player.
If the Steelers wait for the third round to select a wide receiver, look for them to choose one of these receivers potentially. The most likely choices for the 84th selection could be: Jalen Tolbert (South Alabama), Justin Ross (Clemson), Khalil Shakir (Boise State), or Calvin Austin III (Memphis)
light. Related Story. Steelers mock draft: Pittsburgh still desires QB after Pro Day visits
What ultimately happens on draft day? We will have to wait and see. They have lots of draft options, despite not having a 5th round selection. So while some of these predictions may not come to pass the Steelers trading up, that is closer to reality than you may think. The Steelers really like Willis, and if they make a move for him, they will have to trade up; there will be no other options.