After the Pittsburgh Steelers made the playoff this year, the team have the 20th overall pick in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft. The Steelers need a lot of help on offense and in the secondary. Therefore, the team will need to focus on these positions. However, with Ben Roethlisberger‘s retirement, looking for the quarterback of the future could be a priority, or the team can retool and find one next year. While the Steelers need young talent all over the field, the focus has to start with the offense. However, with the draft loaded with potential franchise-saving linemen, finding one won’t be that hard. Furthermore, the team will be torn between taking the replacement to Roethlisberger or fixing the offenses line with the 20th pick.
To help with this mock draft, I used The Draft Network’s mock draft simulator.
Make sure to check out all of our other NFL Team Mock Drafts.
Round 1, Pick 20: Kenyon Green, OL, Texas A&M
The Steelers passed on a quarterback this year to solidify the offensive line. Green is a fascinating prospect in this class, with a lot of the hype coming from his versatility and ability to run block. Showing the NFL that he is more than just a guard, he can successfully play all around the line of scrimmage. Green had a Steller reputation for playing fast and physical while staying disciplined in college. He can play multiple positions across the line, and he is just what the team needs. Furthermore, having Green at left guard would help make it easier for Najee Harris to run the ball.
[pickup_prop id=”16477″]
For more on Green, check out our scouting report on him.
Round 2, Pick 52: George Pickens, WR, Georgia
Pickens had a solid career at Georgia which was capped off with a National Championship. Pickens is a 6’3″ receiver with the ability to take the top off the defense, and he is the perfect complement to Chase Claypool. With the Steelers looking at this year to retool, adding Pickens to pair with Claypool isn’t a bad idea. Furthermore, with the chance that JuJu Smith- Schuster leaves, adding a player who could be a better fit with the team can’t hurt. However, if Smith-Schuster stays with the team having a player with Pickens skill set is an excellent addition.
For more on Pickens, check out our scouting report on him.
Round 3, Pick 84: Leo Chenal, LB, Wisconsin
Chanal was a massive part of Jim Leonhard‘s system this year. With Chanal’s speed and strength to play downhill, he could make a great pairing with Devin Bush. Furthermore, with Chanal leading the Badgers in both sacks and tackles for loss in 2020 and 2021, he is a perfect player for Brian Flores to coach. With Chanal playing the run and Bush able to play the pass, they could form a fierce tandem. Furthermore, having extra help in the run defense could take the pressure off of Bush. With the new look linebacking core, it will be harder to gain yards against the team, making for T.J. Watt easier.
For more on Chanal, check out our scouting report on him.
Round 4, Pick 137: Tyrese Robinson, OL, Oklahoma
Robinson is going to be a project pick in this situation. With Robinson being a three-year starter for Oklahoma, playing the first two years at right guard. During his final season, he was moved to right tackle, showing off his versatility with Robinson playing with a physical mentality that eased the transition to tackle. However, Robinson’s one downside is that he is on the smaller end for tackles in the league. If the Steelers can refine his skill set at either guard or tackle, he could become a stalwart for the team.
Round 7, Pick 222: Jermaine Waller, CB, Virginia Tech
With the first pick in the seventh round, the Steelers target Waller. He will likely fall to this spot after missing all of the 2020 season with numerous injuries. While in 2021, he played pretty well, it was evident that he was still working his way back. With the size, length, and speed to become an outside corner, the team will have to develop him a little to reap the benefits. Furthermore, while his ball skills, speed, and length are all great, his one weakness is his technique in zone coverage. With the hole in his game that needs to be fixed up, he still possesses a lot of upside as a starting corner.
Round 7, Pick 238: Luke Tenuta, OT, Virginia Tech
The Steelers continue the theme of versatile linemen. Virginia Tech had him play right tackle in 2019 and 2020, he then flipped to the left side in 2021. Without missing a beat, he stepped right in and kept the same high level of play. With the most extensive critique being that he plays high, he struggles with getting first contact on edge. Being 6’9″ and only a redshirt junior, he has plenty of time to work out his mechanics. Even with the mechanic flaws, he was still one of the better tackles in the ACC.
Check us out on our socials:
Twitter: @PTSTNews and @TalkPrimeTime
Facebook Page: Prime Time Sports Talk
Join our Facebook Group: Prime Time Sports Talk
Instagram: @primetimesportstalk
Follow Michael Schiro on Twitter @michaelschiro4
Main Image Credit: Embed from Getty Images
