Pittsburgh Steelers full 2022 NFL mock draft

The Steelers will spend a high draft pick on a quarterback, but here’s a full description of everything Pittsburgh will do during the 2022 NFL Draft. 

No team has been more active in scouting this year’s class of rookie quarterbacks than the Steelers. That doesn’t mean anyone has a firm idea of who Mike Tomlin and company like the most. Pittsburgh doesn’t want to tip their hand before they go on the clock in Round 1.

Of course, the Steelers need to fill multiple roster holes with the seven selections they possess at the moment. The team would also love to come out of this year’s draft with a tackle capable of playing right away. Finding a long-term partner for Minkah Fitzpatrick at the safety position should also be a matter of urgency for the team’s front office. Finally, landing a young edge rusher capable of growing into a solid starter should be a focus for Pittsburgh in the middle rounds.

Quarterback will get all of the headlines in Pittsburgh after the draft concludes, but the higher-ups in the Steelers’ front office understand that each of their seven selections has a chance to give the team a big boost. Here’s how the team’s draft class could shake out when all is said and done.

Round 1: Desmond Ridder

The Steelers might be tempted to move up to grab either Malik Willis or Kenny Picket, but they will find the asking price too prohibitive. As a result, Pittsburgh might just end up with the class’ best gun-slinger by staying put at No. 20.

In fairness, Ridder doesn’t possess the sort of star potential that most teams covet. He does have above-average arm strength, accuracy, and mobility for the position though. That gives him a ceiling of a slightly above-average starter. Perhaps more importantly for the Steelers, it also makes him a safe pick. His steady nature will appeal to Tomlin and make him the team’s future at the game’s most important position.