Steelers 2022 mock draft emphasizes offensive needs

Miles Boykin signing and draft strategy

The thinking for this Mock is in my latest article. Since I wrote how Pittsburgh’s roster moves would affect the draft, the Steelers have signed former Ravens third-round pick in 2019, WR Miles Miles Boykin.

After setting the Combine on fire Boykin has been a disappointment as a pro. With the Ravens he was used primarily as a special teams player and only has 33 catches for 470 yards at 14.2 yards per and 7 TDs in his three year career. It’s obvious he was a player in need of a change of scenery. He may surprise people. It wouldn’t be the first time a player’s career turned around once he found a team where he fits in.

Given his production with the Ravens, he figures to be Chase Claypool’s backup and/or Anthony Miller’s competition for WR3, as well as a core special teams player. Overall, I think the Steelers are pretty good but not great shape in the receiving game, having the hard-working Diontae Johnson as WR1 and Chase Claypool as WR2 along with the emerging tight end, Pat Freiermuth and Najee Harris out of the backfield. And Juju Smith-Schuster’s defection does leave a pretty big talent hole. The addition of Boykin doesn’t preclude the Steelers from taking a WR in the upper rounds.

The offensive line is a high priority but there are four teams drafting before the Steelers who are in need of an offensive tackle. Probably not all of those teams will go OT. Charles Cross would be my pick if he’s available but most think he’ll be gone in the first ten. My guess is Bernhard Raimann and Trevor Penning will still be there. You can find out who I went with in the Mock.

The Steelers keep blowing up my Mocks, making signings immediately after I’ve posted an article. They almost did it to me, again. I had already submitted my mock when the Steelers re-signed Strong Safety, Terrell Edmunds.

I had a strong safety in the second round but with Edmunds signing that position is no longer a high priority. I’m glad they resigned him. Edmunds is an above-average starter who’s good in pass coverage and run support. Since he’s resigned I think the Steelers can use a an upper round selection on a want, instead of a need.

Now, on to the Mock Draft. If a couple of my picks seem familiar it’s because I had them in a previous Mock. And so, let’s get started!