5 second-round options for the Steelers in the 2022 NFL draft

The Steelers make some of their best picks on day two of the draft and these names could be an option. 

The Steelers are going to be very active and working the phones leading up to and during the draft. They want a quarterback and that will lead to them looking into different trade scenarios to go and get their guy. If they pay the price to get a guy like Malik Willis or Kenny Pickett, then they will likely have to give up a bunch of future picks including this year’s second-rounder.

A trade like that still hasn’t been highly thought of by many experts because it goes against the “Steelers way”. That may be true and a massive trade-up might be unlikely, but this is uncommon times for the team. They are looking for a new franchise quarterback for the first time since they took Ben Roethlisberger in the first round.

There will be some options available in the second round for the black and gold to choose from. They will need to look at how the first round played out and select a player from there based on need and value of the selection. These names are some that could hear their name called by Pittsburgh on night two of the draft.

Honorable mentions

Sam Howell, QB, North Carolina

Sam Howell has gotten a lot of attention from the Steelers throughout this previous college season. They have been linked to his name for a while and he could be an option in round one. Getting him in the second round is great value and someone that could be the selection if Pittsburgh misses out on a quarterback on night one and Howell slips.

Brandon Smith, LB, Penn State

Brandon Smith was being watched very closely by the Steelers contingent that went to visit Penn State during their pro day. Other prospects are highly thought of coming out of that program as well with names like Jahan Dotson and Jaquan Brisker. Smith would be a surprising pick by the black and gold, especially after they just signed Myles Jack in free agency.