The 25 most likely Steelers defensive targets in 2022 draft

Steelers defensive prospect #23

By technicality, Ahmad Gardner makes this list due to Mike Tomlin and Colbert attending his pro day and because he should be a first-round pick. However, Gardner easily falls into the “not likely to fall this far” camp, as many have him as their top cornerback in this draft and a likely top-10 pick. That said, if he somehow fell to pick 20, one would have to imagine the Steelers would be running to select him.

There are so many positives in Gardner’s game that it makes sense he is so coveted in this draft class. He has the prototypical size of a modern corner, excels in man coverage, and can hold his own in zone coverage as well. He was one of the most dominant cornerbacks in college since starting at Cincinnati, and he is likely to take that talent to the pro level.

If the Steelers somehow lucked into landing Gardner in the draft, they would be fools not to select him. This defense is lacking a true star cornerback. While having a platoon of capable players can work, having that lock-down star would make this secondary all the more potent. Gardner would provide that, but the odds of him falling to pick 20 keep him low on this list.