The 2022 Pittsburgh Steelers 7 round mock draft post wildcard playoff game
By: Jake Rajala
The Pittsburgh Steelers came out guns blazing against the mighty Kansas City Chiefs in the wildcard playoff game. Unfortunately, the T.J. Watt-led defense eventually broke against the “Zeus from Real Steel” like Chiefs offense. The Steelers defense surrendered 21 points in the second quarter, 14 points in the third quarter, and another touchdown in the fourth quarter.
Despite the disappointing postseason loss, it’s safe to say the Steelers outperformed their expectations in the 2021-2022 season. It was another winning season in the books for Mike Tomlin and Ben Roethlisberger. As widely enunciated, Tomlin and Big Ben have never suffered a losing season in their careers together.
So, the offseason is officially underway for the Steelers. The grand focus is unequivocally the 2022 draft. With that said, which direction could the Steelers go in the draft? Well, let’s see what the Big Ben-less Steelers do in this 2022 Pittsburgh Steelers 7 round mock draft.
Round 1, Matt Corral – QB – Ole Miss
The Steelers have the firepower to “win now” in the AFC. It’s even worth noting that the Steelers still made the playoffs in a season where Big Ben threw his fewest touchdowns in a 16 game season (22) since his full slate of games in 2008.
Corral can step in and likely be a sure-fire upgrade over Big Ben’s previous production in two seasons at worst. The former Ole Miss QB should have JuJu Smith Schuster, who said he wants to be a Steeler for life. In addition to JuJu, Chase Claypool and Diontae Johnson are talented wideouts that are 25 years and younger. It would make sense if Claypool stays over Johnson long-term with that said. Still, Corral would truly have potent weapons to grow with and he could be able to put up similar numbers as Chargers QB Justin Herbert in the Steelers offensive attack.
The Steelers have stated that Mason Rudolph and Dwayne Haskins will compete for the starting gig, but I wouldn’t be surprised if Tomlin got more heart-eyed for Corral as the 2022 draft approaches. Tomlin did state that he wants a “mobile” QB to be the next face of the franchise. It would make a heap of sense if Corral is that guy as he fits the mold. Corral can clock a 4.65 40 time and he has a better arm to match it. Whether or not Corral is added to the mix, I’d be happy to see Marcus Mariota on a short contract in Pittsburgh, as well.
The Houston Texans failed to capitalize off J.J. Watt’s Hall of Fame talent in Texas. Mike Tomlin can’t allow the Steelers to let the 27-year-old T.J. Watt’s game-wrecking ability continue to go to waste in the AFC playoffs.
I don’t believe the Saints or Vikings will strike with selecting Corrall. Although, the Steelers should trade up several spots to safely land Corral.
Round 2, Josh Jobe – CB – Alabama
The stud CB from Alabama, Josh Jobe, would be the perfect replacement for the veteran Joe Haden. The long-time “Cleveland Brown” Joe Haden has already sent a farewell to the Steelers nation.
The former starter across from Patrick Surtain and preseason All American unfortunately suffered a playoff injury that forced an early exit, but he will be more than ready for training camp in 2022. Jobe holds a very similar skillet to Haden, as well. They are both physical, big man-to-man corners. Jobe can nicely help the young star Minkah Fitzpatrick complement Watt and Heyward on the defense. Jobe recorded two picks, a sack, and a lot of quiet matchups in 2021.
Jobe is projected to be a late second to early third-round pick. He would fall in the perfect range to be the Steelers second-round pick. The selection of Jobe could make fans forget about “Artie Burns” sooner than thought.
Round 3, Zion Nelson – OT – Miami
It would be a nice vision for Tomlin to eye Matt Corral and Zion Nelson in the 2022 draft. Nelson wasn’t just one of the top offensive linemen in 2020, but his potential is also through the roof. The Steelers Achilles heel starts at LT and it’s not an understatement to say they need help. The rook Dan Moore Jr. stepped in to play last season, but he didn’t fill in well. He was picked on against Myles Garrett early on in the season as he routinely allowed Garrett to pressure and sack the QB.
If the Steelers want a shiny new QB in Corral, Russell Wilson, or even Mason Rudolph, they will need to do a better job protecting the mysterious QB than Big Ben in recent memory.
Zion Nelson should be a 2022 third-round pick and he would fit quite well on the blindside for potentially Matt Corrall. The Steelers may need to get creative again by trading up for Nelson, but it would be worth it as he really can be the reliable LT for the next decade. If the Steelers need to cough up a couple of draft picks, the 2022 draft may be the best draft to do it out of any draft in the next few years. If they have a nice picture of their future WR situation, it would be wise to trade the likes of Diontae Johnson for an early 2022 pick.
Round 4, Justyn Ross – WR – Clemson
The Clemson WR Justyn Ross is a gifted profile, but he’s another profile that’s been haunted by the injury bug. He’s projected to be a second – fourth-round player in the past year, but his stock has continued to dip. He should be a late third-round to late fourth-round pick at this day in age. He’s been projected to be selected by the Baltimore Ravens in the fourth round by Ebony bird. I’d love to see him be a member of the AFC North, but with the Steelers.
Ross wasn’t the same caliber of WR as former Clemson WR Sammy Watkins, but he was once a 1,000 yard WR in 2018 and a wideout that hauled in 17 touchdowns across 2018 and 2019. Although, he missed three games in 2021 and he underwent foot surgery. It seems unlikely that teams see enough of the reward in the risk to make him a third or second-round pick in 2022.
It’s very unlikely that the Steelers retain each WR in the big three they showcase (JuJu, Diontae, Chase). As mentioned, the Steelers could deal Diontae in 2022 rather than let him walk in 2023. Ross would an ideal replacement for Dionate, the perfect WR steal, and a 6’4 big body WR addition to their offense. If Rudolph is the QB, he can have the arm talent to hit Ross in any section of the field.
Round 5, Trade for Saints C/G Cesar Ruiz
The Steelers need more juice on the interior of their offensive line. It would be wise to trade for a young, somewhat modest, interior offensive lineman that can start at guard or center. It’s been made very clear that LG Kendrick Green should walk the plank for his 2021 performance. The Steelers might just be able to find a diamond in the rough from the “always busy” Mickey Loomis and New Orleans Saints.
The Saints could look to find an upgrade at center, especially if they obtain Russell Wilson. Ruiz was a 2020 first-round pick, but he hasn’t quite taken off. He would still be an upgrade over Green at guard and potentially even start at the center long term. The former Michigan Wolverine can be a sturdy run blocker at least. That would help second-year RB Najee Harris elevate his performance.
Round 6, Tanner McKee – QB – Stanford
The Stanford signal-caller is a big arm, yet sharp QB. He’s the perfect value pick for the Steelers in the fifth round – assuming he doesn’t stay for another CFB season. McKee would be a quality, competitive QB2.
The 6’6 QB that looks like either of the “Winklevoss twins” was an All Pac 12 honorable mention in 2021. He showed his all-around talent by showcasing a 138.7 passer rating.
Here are a few interesting facts about McKee, as well. He is actually 31 years old, he spent two years on a Church mission when he was 21 years old, and he beat cancer at 16 years old! McKee could be the Steelers backup QB in 2022 and the wise Steelers QB coach in 2023!
Round 7, Sevyn Banks – CB – Ohio State
The reinforcements in the secondary have arrived. Sevyn Banks is another physical, “beat you at the line of scrimmage” CB from Ohio State. Banks was once rumored to go first overall in the 2022 draft. Well, it’s clear that he fell off a cliff in 2021 and he will be hoping that any team will take a chance on him in the 2022 draft. I’d expect the right culture with a need at CB could take a chance on him. Would it be a surprise if Tomlin, who took a chance on Dwayne Haskins, decided to take a chance on Banks? It would make too much sense for the Steelers to pick Banks at this point in the draft.
