The Steelers top-five most likely first round draft choices in 2022

Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa

Chances of being drafted by the Steelers: 7.43%

Of all of the potential draft choices, Penning happens to be an outlier in this spot. Before the combine, Penning was a possible early favorite. So was Charles Cross. Many thought the Steelers might target an offensive lineman. Then after free agency opened and we found the Steelers were targeting a quarterback, his stock went down as a selection at 20.

Then, even after pro day information came out, we learned Kevin Colbert and Mike Tomlin did not meet with Penning, thus eliminating him from serious draft consideration. There were a few mock drafts still having the Steelers selecting him.

The fact he still ranks this high stems from the fact that many fans or analysts projected him as a potential draft choice only because the choice makes sense; it does not hurt to make further offensive line upgrades. So his inclusion on this list is more of what the Steelers should do rather than what they will do.

To a large degree, Penning would make an excellent choice and is a player that fits that Steelers mold for playing smash-mouth football. We could imagine Tomlin might have put Penning higher up on his draft board; unfortunately, 2022 is not the year for this type of offensive lineman.