Steelers 2022 NFL Draft: Final first-round mock draft with trades

ATHENS, GA - NOVEMBER 6: Travon Walker #44 celebrates a sack with Nolan Smith #4 during a game between Missouri Tigers and Georgia Bulldogs at Sanford Stadium on November 6, 2021 in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Steven Limentani/ISI Photos/Getty Images)
ATHENS, GA - NOVEMBER 6: Travon Walker #44 celebrates a sack with Nolan Smith #4 during a game between Missouri Tigers and Georgia Bulldogs at Sanford Stadium on November 6, 2021 in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Steven Limentani/ISI Photos/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
7 of 10
Next
Steelers
Defensive end George Karlaftis #5 of the Purdue Boilermakers walks off the field. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images) /

1.17, Minnesota Vikings: Andrew Booth Jr., CB, Clemson

Andrew Booth Jr. is a guy that many people have penciled into the first round in 2022 for a while. He is a smart and reliable corner that has gone up against some tough competition while at Clemson. The Vikings moved back in this mock and still got a day one starter on their defense despite bringing back Patrick Peterson.

1.18, Philadelphia Eagles: Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah

The Eagles pick again here and decide to go defense after going offense just three picks prior. They get the best linebacker in this class with Devin Lloyd, whom many have kept off the radar. He is a nice rangy backer that shoves his helmet to the point of attack.

1.19, Washington Commanders: Tyler Linderbaum, OC, Iowa

Tyler Linderbaum is really starting to drop off in terms of his draft stock. Some even have him going in the second round, but the quality of his play is still there to be seen on tape. He is a proven center that had some bad measurables in the pre-draft process.

He could get a look in the second round if he is available for the Steelers.  His size could scare away some teams, but he is a plug-and-play center for the Commanders.

1.20, New York Giants: George Karlaftis, EDGE, Purdue

The Giants traded back 13 spots with their second first-round pick in 2022. They got a solid cornerback earlier at five and they stick on the defensive side of the ball. They get one of the most underrated edge rushers in this class with George Karlaftis.

Purdue isn’t the most successful program, but this player will be a significant upgrade for their roster. A receiver could also be an option here, especially with Kadarius Toney on the trade block.