CBS Sports mock draft has the Pittsburgh Steelers making a 'safe' pick in the first round
The Pittsburgh Steelers are likely hoping that Liberty quarterback Malik Willis falls to them at No. 20 in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft. That's almost certainly not going to happen. Willis had a tremendous Pro-Day and now appears to be a lock to be drafted in at least the top 10. The […]
The Pittsburgh Steelers are likely hoping that Liberty quarterback Malik Willis falls to them at No. 20 in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
That's almost certainly not going to happen.
Willis had a tremendous Pro-Day and now appears to be a lock to be drafted in at least the top 10.
The only way the Steelers are drafting Willis is if they trade up. And it's hard for me to see Pittsburgh doing that (though we can't rule it out).
For now, I'd assume the Steelers will stay at No. 20 and take the best player available.
CBS Sports' Tom Fornelli agrees.
In his latest mock draft, he has the Steelers taking Steelers defensive lineman Devonte Wyatt.
From CBS Sports:
Wyatt is everything you want as an interior lineman these days. He has the size and strength to hold up against the run in a variety of fronts, and he's quick enough to be disruptive as a pass-rusher. His get-off on the snap is not Aaron Donald-esque (whose is?), but it's the most impressive I've seen from a DT in this class.
I could definitely see the Steelers going in this direction. Pittsburgh doesn't usually make wild trades.
And taking a defensive tackle in the first round seems like a very Steelers thing to do.
I think this would be the right move for Pittsburgh. If Willis were to fall, of course they take him. But Willis is still a bit of risk, too. Before the end of the season, Willis was viewed as a second-round pick (before the Senior Bowl and his Pro Day).
Ultimately, Willis is still a gamble for the Steelers (or any other team). And I'm not sure that gamble is worth the draft capital it would take for Pittsburgh to move up in this year's draft.
Featured image via Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
