NFL Draft 2022: Best players available Steelers should target on Day 2

Selecting Kenny Pickett in Round 1 will dominate all the Steelers’ draft headlines, but Pittsburgh needs to focus on these Day 2 prospects. 

The Steelers’ 2022 NFL Draft class will ultimately be judged on whether or not Kenny Pickett establishes himself as a quality starting quarterback. That doesn’t mean Pittsburgh’s front office can afford to ignore the rest of the picks at their disposal.

Day 2 could be very important to a Steelers roster that still needs to fill some other significant needs. Improving the secondary should be a priority for Pittsburgh. They’d also like to add a young offensive lineman who can help keep Pickett upright. Steelers fans should keep a close eye on these prospects when their team goes on the clock at No. 52.

NFL Draft 2022: Who should Steelers take on Day 2?

Jaquan Brisker, Safety, Penn State

Minkah Fitzpatrick is a bona fide star for the Steelers at one safety position, but Terrell Edmunds isn’t the long-term answer at the other spot. Brisker is just the sort of physical freak that could give Pittsburgh the best safety tandem in the league.

The former Penn State star has the athleticism and attitude that Mike Tomlin loves to see in his defensive backs. He can cover serious ground in the final third but isn’t afraid to make a big hit. If he’s still on the board when Pittsburgh makes it second-round selection he could be staying in-state for his professional career.

Bernhard Raimann, Guard/Tackle, Central Michigan

Raimann thrives as an offensive lineman when he’s permitted to get out in space to make his blocks. He’ll need to improve his physicality at the next level but the Steelers can afford to be patient with his development.

Some scouts believe he might be best suited as a highly-mobile guard at the next level. Pittsburgh can use help at guard or tackle. Raimann would be a smart selection for the Steelers on Day 2.

Boye Mafe, Edge, Minnesota

The Steelers can never have enough outside linebackers capable of rushing the passer at a high level. Mafe might take some time to develop, but he could be better than Alex Highsmith in a year or two. That’s enough upside to justify a Round 2 pick for the Steelers.

Roger McCreary, Cornerback, Auburn

McCreary isn’t the biggest cornerback in the draft, but he’s got a real competitive streak that will appeal to the Steelers’ front office. Combine that with his ability to play on the outside or in the slot and it’s easy to see why he might end up in Pittsburgh.

Cam Jurgens, Guard/Center, Nebraska

The Steelers would like to get tougher up front and adding Jurgens to the mix would help them do just that. He’s got a little bit of Maurkice Pouncey to his college tape which will really catch Tomlin’s attention. Pittsburgh fans should be excited if he becomes their team’s second-round selection.