In a new era of Pittsburgh Steelers football, the team will be without Ben Roethlisberger for the first time in two decades when they return to the field in 2022. Ultimately, Pittsburgh will answer the question if they covet a quarterback in the 2022 NFL Draft’s first round as it unfolds. But in our final 2022 NFL Mock Draft, the Steelers indeed do grab a quarterback, it’s just in Round 2.
Pittsburgh Steelers 2022 7-Round Mock Draft
Here are projections of every pick the Pittsburgh Steelers could make within a 7-Round 2022 NFL Mock Draft, with the Pro Football Network staff as the general manager. This is what we would do with the picks after the board shook out while doing a full 7-round, 32-team mock draft.
Round 1, Pick 20: Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa
A nasty, mean offensive tackle with a large upside, Trevor Penning is the next left tackle in Pittsburgh Steelers history — and perhaps another one of the greats at the position. Penning dominated opponents during his collegiate career, both in the FCS and at the Senior Bowl. He’ll have to adjust his level of tenacity, so to speak, in the NFL. But once he does, he’s sound fundamentally, strong at the point of contact, and has an excellent base.
Other players in consideration: George Karlaftis, EDGE, Purdue; Desmond Ridder, QB, Cincinnati
Round 2, Pick 52: Desmond Ridder, QB, Cincinnati
The wait pays off as the Steelers grab their eventual quarterback of the future in Desmond Ridder. A little too inaccurate to be selected in Round 1, but Ridder’s elite-level traits are there. He’s a dominant athlete with a strong arm and faster feet. If the Steelers’ coaching staff can harness his best traits, Ridder will start games — and win some — sooner than later.
Other players in consideration: Jalyn Armour-Davis, CB, Alabama; Erik Ezukanma, WR, Texas Tech
Round 3, Pick 84: David Bell, WR, Purdue
If it weren’t for a sluggish showing this offseason, David Bell would be off the board in Round 2. Yet, he is available for the Steelers to pair with Diontae Johnson and Chase Claypool. Bell’s body control is among the best, and when the pass is in his radius, he’s coming down with it.
Other players in consideration: Charleston Rambo, WR, Miami (FL); Alec Pierce, WR, Cincinnati
Round 4, Pick 138 (compensatory selection): Markquese Bell, S, Florida A&M
With a dominant physicality, the Steelers grab Markquese Bell to pair alongside Minkah Fitzpatrick. This pick allows Fitzpatrick to stay in his natural free safety position as Bell has a large frame and comes downhill with a vengeance. He can also cover from the box, whether it’s crossing receivers in zone or man-coverage principles against tight ends.
Other players in consideration: Alontae Taylor, CB, Tennessee; Damarri Mathis, CB, Pittsburgh
Round 6, Pick 208 (from KC): Ja’Sir Taylor, CB, Wake Forest
The Steelers have plenty of depth at the cornerback position, but they need a boost and a look to the future. That is Ja’Sir Taylor in a nutshell. His coverage ability and willingness to play special teams likely allows him to earn a spot on the starting 53 while adding value as a CB5 right away.
Other players in consideration: Vincent Gray, CB, Michigan; Kyler McMichael, CB, North Carolina
Round 7, Pick 225 (from NYJ): Corey Sutton, WR, App State
Another C. Sutton on the Steelers as Corey Sutton joins Cameron Sutton. Corey — an NFL legacy player — pairs with a talented receiving corps that allows him to hone his craft for another year before sliding into the slot in place of Anthony Miller in 2023.
Other players in consideration: Kevin Austin Jr., WR, Notre Dame; Tre’ Turner, WR, Virginia Tech
Round 7, Pick 241: Devin Rockette, CB, South Alabama
Another cornerback with tremendous upside, all Devin Rockette did at South Alabama was lock down defensive backs. He was targeted heavily at times and rarely gave up big plays. His coverage ability will allow him to stick on an NFL roster, as will his special-teams ability.
Other players in consideration: Brandon Sebastian, CB, Boston College; Carson Wells, LB, Colorado