The Pittsburgh Steelers have several holes to fill heading into the 2022 season. Quarterback and offensive line should be among the top position candidates for the Steelers first round pick. Depending on how the draft goes however, this team will need to be flexible at pick 20. With all that said, here is our top five wish list for the Steelers first round selection:
5. Malik Willis QB, Liberty:
We simply can not afford to ignore the number one need on the Pittsburgh Steelers roster as we stand today. This position may be filled by the time the draft rolls around, but for now quarterback takes top priority. It’s a bad time to be a quarterback needy team with this draft class being the worst in years. Malik Willis easily has the most upside of any of the quarterbacks in 2022. He has the arm, and the mobility that make him very intriguing. Willis is not a day one starter, and will need time to develop.
4. Devonte Wyatt DT, Georgia:
Defensive tackle isn’t often mentioned as an option for the Steelers first round pick, but it should be. This is an aging unit with plenty of question marks even if Stephon Tuitt can make it back. We go into greater detail on this here: Stephon Tuitt may be back, but the defensive line could still be a weakness in 2022
Devonte Wyatt got overshadowed by some of his more famous teammates at Georgia, but make no mistake this is a big time interior defender. Wyatt excels at rushing the passer from the interior with a variety of moves. He is also a stout run defender as well. Wyatt is exactly the type of player the Steelers covet at defensive tackle.
3. Tyler Smith OT, Tulsa:
This is a player we had hoped would be available to the Steelers in the second round. Unfortunately it looks as if Tulsa tackle Tyler Smith may be headed for the first round in this draft. Daniel Jeremiah already has him ranked 30th in his top 50 prospects. https://www.nfl.com/news/daniel-jeremiah-s-top-50-2022-nfl-draft-prospect-rankings-2-0
This is a big, mean, talented offensive lineman who may be better suited at guard than tackle. At guard, we like him better than Steelers Twitter favorite Zion Johnson. Drafting Tyler Smith would be an instant upgrade for this team’s running game regardless to whether he plays tackle or guard in 2022.
2. Treylon Burks WR, Arkansas:
We have to admit leaning toward dynamic playmaking receivers almost every draft. The impact players like Cooper Krupp, Ja’Marr chase, and Tyreek Hill have on the game is unmistakable. The Steelers just so happen to have a significant need in that department. Treylon Burks would immediately give the Steelers offense that kind of playmaking ability. He has been compared to AJ Brown, only faster. At 6’3”, and 225lbs there are some who think he may run in the 4.3/40 range. We liked his tape so much, he was our choice for the Pittsburgh’s first round selection in our latest mock draft:Steelers mock draft 2.0: The Pre-Combine edition
1. Kenyon Green G, Texas A+M:
When it comes to building a team, we will always believe you do it from the inside out. The Steelers have ignored offensive line in the first round for far too long, and now they are paying the price. Kenyon Green is without question the number one guard in this draft. If he falls to 20, Pittsburgh would be foolish to pass him up. This offensive line desperately needs a complete overhaul. Drafting Kenyon Green would be a terrific first step in that process.