The Pittsburgh Steelers recently made another move that would indicate they intend to select a quarterback early in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Every sign this offseason has pointed to Pittsburgh’s interest in the quarterback position in the NFL Draft — this really isn’t even up for debate at this point. Since the Senior Bowl, the Steelers brass has been infatuated with scouting the top quarterbacks in the 2022 NFL Draft, and they have met with all five of the top candidates at least four times over the past two months.
Recently, the Steelers made a move that would indicate that selecting a quarterback early in the draft is even more of a sure thing. On March 19th, Pittsburgh signed David Corley to be their assistant quarterback coach.
This is a role that they typically don’t have on the team. However, when you put the pieces together, it’s not hard to see why they are interested in having a second QB coach this year.
The Steelers plan on having a very young QB room this year (one that will no doubt include a rookie). In addition to already having 17-year coach Mike Sullivan helping out the quarterbacks, Pittsburgh found it necessary to hire an assistant QB coach in addition.
Corley was a veteran college coach who already has connections with Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin due to his time spent as the quarterback for William & Mary — Tomlin’s alma mater. Corley spend the 2021 season coaching running backs at the University of Richmond.
Steelers preparing to draft a QB high
This is hardly the first sign that the Steelers will be targeting a quarterback in the first round of the NFL Draft. While the Corley signing isn’t significant by itself, it’s just a further testament to Pittsburgh’s intentions in the draft this year.
In addition to signing a second QB coach, Pittsburgh is still trying to overcome the tragic death of QB Dwayne Haskins. Haskins was the team’s third QB during the 2021 season and he would have been in the mix for a roster spot again in 2022.
As it stands, the Steelers have just two quarterbacks under contract for the upcoming season: Mitch Trubisky and Mason Rudolph. Trubisky was signed to be a stop-gap starter, but it’s unlikely the front office views either as the long-term option at the position.
While I’m certainly an advocate of waiting until the 2023 NFL Draft to address the QB position in what could prove to be a much stronger group, it doesn’t appear the Steelers will go that direction after investing all of their time and energy into the QB position this offseason.
Liberty’s Malik Willis still seems to be the ultimate goal for Pittsburgh. Outside of him, they have essentially shown an equal amount of interest in Sam Howell, Matt Corral, Desmond Ridder, and Kenny Pickett.
I’m not one to make a big deal out of the Steelers signing an assistant coach, but adding a second QB coach is out of the norm and further proof that Pittsburgh will be adding a QB through the NFL Draft this year.