The 2022 NFL Draft has finally arrived. Nearly 300 college prospects will have new homes with pro teams following this weekend’s draft. The Pittsburgh Steelers, who finished 9-7-1 and a wild-card berth, will pick 20th in the first round. After losing several players to free agency or retirement, the Steelers will have to use their picks to add more depth to their squad. Here is the first mock draft for the Pittsburgh Steelers for the 2022 NFL Draft.
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Pittsburgh Steelers Mock Draft 1.0 – Back to the Playoffs
The Steelers have always been a team that tries to draft the best available player in a round, regardless of their potential needs. This season’s draft may look a little different than in ones in past years, but that common theme will still be prevalent. Using Pro Football Network’s Draft Simulator, I was able to go through a seven-round, complete mock draft for this year. I picked the best available player nearly every time unless there was a player at a position of need really close by. Below are the results for the first mock draft for the Pittsburgh Steelers:
Round 1, Pick 20: Daxton Hill, Safety, Michigan
Daxton Hill is a solid pick here for a team that desperately needs depth in the secondary. Hill is a versatile safety who can also play cornerback. The First-Team All-Big Ten award winner at safety compiled 70 tackles, two interceptions, and nine pass break-ups. Hill is a fast, capable pass defender who could instantly boost the Steelers mediocre secondary.
Round 2, Pick 52: David Ojabo, Edge, Michigan
The Steelers take a big risk here, but it could definitely be one of the biggest steals of the draft. Ojabo is a powerful, speedy pass rusher who has bursts of speed and elusiveness to shed blocks. Ojabo had 11 sacks, 12 tackles for loss, and forced five fumbles in his senior season. He tore his Achilles during his pro-day, which puts him in jeopardy for team workouts and camps in the summer. This is a big risk for the Steelers, but he could produce a ton if he’s the same after his injury.
Round 3, Pick 84: Skyy Moore, Wide Receiver, Western Michigan
Moore would be a suitable pick here in the third round. He is a quick, agile receiver who cuts into space and runs freely. Moore had close to 100 receptions, nearly 1300 yards, and 10 touchdowns in his senior season. The Steelers have had great success with Mid-American Conference (MAC) players in the past, including Ben Roethlisberger, Antonio Brown, and Diontae Johnson. Despite his smaller frame, Moore is still a good receiver who could assist Mitch Trubisky in his first year in the black and gold.
Round 4, Pick 138: Braxton Jones, Offensive Tackle, Southern Utah
The selection of Jones gives the Steelers more depth at their depleted offensive line. Jones is a large, powerful force that can win many battles in the running game. He could work out well in the system, especially on a team that is run behind star running back Najee Harris. Jones earned All-Big Sky and All-FCS honors as a tackle, so he definitely has upside as a strong run-blocker.
Round 6, Pick 208: Micah McFadden, Linebacker, Indiana
The Steelers have to wait 70 picks before their next selection, but here, they land an underrated stud in Micah McFadden. He is a speedy but hard-hitting linebacker who excels in nearly every phase of defense. The Steelers lacked help in the passing game last year, in terms of linebackers, and McFadden’s IQ and leadership could instantly shut down opposing passing games. If McFadden were to be paired with newly-signed Myles Jack and the other linebackers (Devin Bush, Robert Spillane), the Steelers could have a shutdown defensive core.
Round 7, Pick 225: Jermaine Waller, Cornerback, Virginia Tech
Pittsburgh selects a solid, well-rounded cornerback here in the early seventh round. Waller uses his larger frame and better athleticism to lock down opposing defenders. He is a very smart player with tons of versatility and awareness in the secondary. While he does lack major speed and some other skills, he could definitely be useful in certain packages or roles for the Steelers.
Round 7, Pick 241: Connor Heyward, Tight End/Fullback, Michigan State
With their last pick, the Pittsburgh Steelers select Connor Heyward, the brother of star pass-rusher Cameron Heyward. While Heyward doesn’t boast a ton of production, he can still be a solid role-playing guy. He would be a great fit on special teams and could work as a backup running back, fullback, or tight end with his diverse skill set. Plus, drafting him creates a nice feel-good story, as two brothers are reunited on the Steelers.
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