Pittsburgh Steelers updated 2022 3-round mock draft

With the Pittsburgh Steelers bye week winding down we decided to update our 2022 NFL mock draft with something of a twist. Whenever we do an exercise like this there is always a decision to be made about which player to select. This time we decided to share not only our pick but the guy we chose them over to offer a little different perspective.

First round-OT Sean Rhyan of UCLA over WR Treylon Burks of Arkansas

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Right off the bat I’m faced with a tough call. Wide receiver Trey Burks is one of my favorite prospects in the entire draft and could be the perfect player to move the Steelers offense into a new era. But instead, I go with a safer choice in UCLA offensive tackle Sean Rhyan. Pittsburgh needs a true franchise tackle for whoever is under center next season and Rhyan is the guy.

Second round-QB Desmond Ridder of Cincinnati over G Ikem Ekwonu of North Carolina State and WR Justyn Ross of Clemson

I’m not sold on Desmon Ridder as a passer but his athletic tools are just too good to pass us here. Had there been a top quarterback on the board in the first, this goes a different way but Ridder sliding is a nice steal for Pittsburgh over one of the top guards or a playmaking wide receiver.

Third round-WR Zay Flowers of Boston College over DT Cory Durden of North Carolina State

Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

With the Steelers first of what should be two third-round picks, Pittsburgh gets their offensive playmaker in Zay Flowers. The Steelers can line him up at wide receiver and running back and develop sets just for his athletic skill set. Cory Durden is a great prospect with his length and power but Pittsburgh can find defensive line help later.

Third round-DT Chris Hinton of Michigan over G Thayer Munford of Ohio State

(AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

Speaking of getting that defensive line help, Michigan’s Chris Hinton falls into the Steelers laps at the end of the third round. Hinton has ideal size for a Steelers hybrid defensive end and plays with impressive power and leverage. This scenario has Pittsburgh passing on a replacement for Trai Turner in the first three rounds so Pittsburgh might need to seek out a player in free agency.

1

1