Get ready. Another mock draft is coming.
A little over three weeks until the start of the 2022 NFL draft, it’s time to share my second version of a seven-round Pittsburgh Steelers mock draft, especially now that the initial free-agency craze is behind us.
Coming out of a free hand, the Steelers very clearly addressed some holes in the roster before the draft, giving themselves some flexibility in the first round in Las Vegas. Knowing this, I attempted to base my latest mock draft around the current Pittsburgh roster and attempted to fill in some gaps that remain on the roster.
In case you missed it, here is my first version of my Steelers mock draft.
Things will change by my final mock draft at the end of April. Enjoy the ride.
And as always, let me know what you think of my first mock draft in the comments section below!
ROUND 1 (#20 OVERALL) – DESMOND RIDDER/QB/CINCINNATI – 6033, 211 LBS.
Analysis: Ridder, my personal QB1 in the draft class, brings great leadership and a tremendous work ethic to the position. Though his ceiling isn’t as high as someone like Liberty’s Malik Willis, Ridder is arguably the most pro-ready quarterback in the 2022 NFL draft class. He plays with rhythm overall and has consistent, repeatable mechanics that generate easy power . His intelligence is off the charts and he processes on film pretty quickly. Concerns about his game in terms of accuracy and ball placement are certainly valid at this point in the process, but he’ll be an Alex Smith-like starter in the NFL for a long, long time.
Previous selection: Zion Johnson, iOL, Boston College
Others considered: Sam Howell, QB, UNC; Andrew Booth Jr., CB, Clemson; George Pickens, WR, Georgia
ROUND 2 (#52 OVERALL) – DeMARVIN LEAL/DL/TEXAS A&M – 6037, 283 LBS.
Analysis: Leal might seem a bit undersized on paper, but he excels as a 3-tech gap-shooting defender who can overwhelm offensive linemen with his speed-to-power and rare overall athleticism. Though he wasn’t as dominant at Texas A&M as many expected him to be in three seasons at College Station (only 13.0 career sacks, 25.0 tackles for loss), the short-area Bursts and the general blast he possesses make a welcome addition to an aging Steelers defensive line whose depth has been tested significantly in 2021.
That pick could go against convention altogether, given the work the Steelers have done on the defensive line at free hand, pairing Montravius Adams with a possible Stephon Tuitt return along with Tyson Alualu’s return from injury . The defensive line is aging, however, and Leal is a high-ceilinged player the Steelers have expressed an interest in, considering DL coach Karl Dunbar was at College Station for the Aggies’ Pro Day.
Previous Pick: Darrian Beavers, LB, Cincinnati
Others considered: Leo Chenal, LB, Wisconsin; Jaquan Brisker, S, Penn State; Kaiir Elam, CB, Florida
ROUND 3 (#84 OVERALL) – NICK CROSS/S/MARYLAND – 6001, 212 LBS.
Analysis: We know all about the Steelers and their love of SPARQ results at safety position. Maryland’s Nick Cross would be the SPARQiest safety ever thanks to a 9.91 RAS score based on a 4.34 40-yard dash, a 37-inch vertical and an amazing 10’10-inch long jump was designed. Add in the fact that he’s a Maryland product and an underclassmen, which adds all the more intrigue and potential for Cross in Pittsburgh.
Along with his impressive Test numbers, Cross recorded six interceptions in three seasons with the Terrapins and started 27 career games overall. His ability to play free safety, slot corners, and DIME backers should intrigue the Steelers overall.
Previous Pick: Skyy Moore, WR, Western Michigan
Others considered: Justyn Ross, WR, Clemson; Darrian Beaver, LB, Cincinnati; Bryan Cook, S., Cincinnati
ROUND 4 (#138 OVERALL) – DANNY GRAY/WR/SMU – 5117, 186 LBS
Analysis: SMU’s Danny Gray, who needs legitimate groundbreaking speed at the wide receiver position, provides it in abundance. Grey, who came from a high-octane Mustangs offense in the AAC, put up impressive Test numbers at the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine, hitting a 4.33 40-yard dash, a 34-inch vertical and a 126-inch long jump. The Steelers were certainly interested, met with the SMU star in Indianapolis and then sent new WR coach Frisman Jackson to Dallas to guide him through position drills during the Mustangs’ Pro Day.
There’s a real connection there, although Gray tends to profile itself as more of a No. 3 recipient over the long term. Immediately, he would be able to give the Steelers a true vertical threat at the Z position, which could allow Chase Claypool to step into a big-slot style role, although Gray could also see some time in the slot .
Previous selection: Max Mitchell, OT, Louisiana
Others considered: Max Mitchell, OT, Louisiana; Damion Pierce, RB, Florida; Coby Bryant, CB, Cincinnati
ROUND 6 (#208 OVERALL) – TY CHANDLER/RB/NORTH CAROLINA – 5107, 203 LBS.
Analysis: Sticking with the same choice here as the need for support for Najee Harris in Pittsburgh remains a sneaky big need overall. I had the opportunity to see Chandler in person at the East-West Shrine Bowl in Las Vegas earlier this year and he was easily one of the best defensemen there.
Chandler, a former 5-star recruit who landed in Tennessee before moving to North Carolina, exploded onstage in 2021, amassing 1,092 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns with the Tar Heels as a senior. He explodes with the football in his hands as a runner, putting underestimated power into position and able to serve as a three-down back from the backfield due to his pass protection skills and mismatch ability as a receiver.
With fewer than 700 touches in five seasons in college, he also has limited wear and tear on his body, which should be considered a plus, especially as a late-round pick. It’s not the flashiest name, but it brings much-needed skills to the position on Day 3.
Previous pick: Ty Chandler, RB, North Carolina
Others under consideration: Tyler Badie, RB, Missouri; Deangelo Malone, EDGE, Western Kentucky; Dare Rosenthal, OT, Kentucky
ROUND 7 (#225 OVERALL) – JOSHUA ROSS/LB/MICHIGAN – 6003, 227 LBS.
Analysis: Even with Myles Jack picked up in free agency and Robert Spillane and Marcus Allen held on restricted free agent calls this offseason, the need for a true BUCK linebacker is still great in Pittsburgh. Ross definitely fits. Ross, a physical downhill run defender from Michigan, has done quite a bit for the Wolverines.
Though he lacks the top-end speed and versatility for today’s game, he is considered an “elusive guy” who brings leadership and competitive fire, much like Vince Williams, the former Steelers’ first BUCK linebacker. According to Pro Football Network’s Tony Pauline, the Steelers were already showing interest when Kevin Colbert, Mike Tomlin and Brian Flores, consisting of Kevin Colbert, Mike Tomlin and Brian Flores, invited Ross to dinner after Michigan’s Pro Day in mid-March.
Previous Pick: Jermaine Waller, CB, Virginia Tech
Others under consideration: Jeffrey Gunter, EDGE, Coastal Carolina; Chase Lucas, CB, Arizona State; Baylon Spector, LB, Clemson
ROUND 7 (#241 OVERALL) – TYLER VRABEL/OL/BOSTON COLLEGE – 6056, 315 LBS.
Analysis: I could have gone in a number of directions here for the Steelers, but I’ve decided to play a potential swing tackle with NFL bloodlines in Boston College’s Tyler Vrabel, son of Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel to attempt. A three-year starter at BC, Vrabel saw time in left and right tackles and excelled in the running game for his power and tenacity.
Although his footwork is overall solid on pass protection, he tends to get top-heavy and lean over his skis, causing some problems with speed rushers on either side of the defense. You’re risking features this late in the draft and Vrabel certainly has the size and length to develop well into a swing tackle. The NFL bloodlines don’t hurt one bit either.
Previous Pick: Connor Heyward, TE, Michigan State
Others under consideration: Connor Heyward, TE, Michigan State; Quintin Lake, S, UCLA; Johnny Petrishen, LB, Pittsburgh