Steelers final mock draft: Pittsburgh holds true to their interests

Pittsburgh will soon be on the clock in what could prove to be a very important NFL Draft. Here’s what I have them doing in my final Steelers mock draft. 

Draft day has finally come, and the Pittsburgh Steelers are entering a new era. With Ben Roethlisberger retired and Kevin Colbert stepping down as general manager, the Steelers will have a chance to reshape their future with some good decisions in the 2022 NFL Draft.

Over the past two months, we have gotten to know Pittsburgh’s interests quite well, and they haven’t been afraid to show their hand. In my final Steelers mock draft, I have Mike Tomlin and Kevin Colbert holding true to their interests and targeting several players they have met with during the pre-draft process:

Steelers mock draft round 1: QB Malik Willis

This should be a shocker to absolutely nobody by now. Dating all the way back to the Senior Bowl, Pittsburgh’s brass was infatuated with Malik Willis. They first met with him and his family in Mobile before several more meetings ensued over the weeks following.

Willis fits the description of what Pittsburgh would like to do on offense. Tomlin has expressed the need for mobility at the quarterback position dating all the back to the 2021 season. With Willis, the Steelers will try to play ball-control offense, pound the rock, and let their defense help them win games.

The Steelers are no doubt in love with Willis’s physical gifts. The biggest question is whether they can get him at pick 20 or if they will be tempted to move up a few spots in the draft. My prediction is that Pittsburgh will trade 2023 capital to move up and get their guy.

Don’t overthink this one. Willis isn’t a lock to be the pick, but he’s the player the team has shown the most interest in during the pre-draft process. Last year it was Najee Harris. If, for some reason, the Steelers aren’t able to draft Willis, I think QB Desmond Ridder could be their backup plan.