Saturday, January 8, 2022

2022 Nfl Mock Draft Steelers 7 Rounds

Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORKThe 2021 NFL season is moving quickly and that means it's time for our latest 2022 NFL mock draft. With some of the top quarterbacks in college football struggling, the door opens for defensive players to dominate the draft board. With college football bowl games in full effect and the playoffs just around the corner, it's time to dive deep into these mock drafts.

2022 nfl mock draft steelers 7 rounds - Junfu Han  USA TODAY NETWORKThe 2021 NFL season is moving quickly and that means its time for our latest 2022 NFL mock draft

The NFL Draft order at the top will be solidified soon enough and we can start predicting the early portion of the first round. Let's dive into the first round of the latest 2022 NFL Mock Draft. This Steelers pick will likely be a common landing spot for quarterbacks in other mock drafts, but I believe the team will look to acquire a veteran instead of a rookie. And with expected holes along the interior offensive line in 2022, Green could be a strong option. He has been a stalwart for the Aggies this season, playing more than 85 snaps apiece at left tackle, left guard, right guard and right tackle.

2022 nfl mock draft steelers 7 rounds - With some of the top quarterbacks in college football struggling

With the college football regular season finished and the 2021 NFL regular season having only five weeks left, the 2022 NFL Draft will be here sooner than you think. For many pro teams, the process of adding promising prospects already has come into focus with fading or gone playoff hopes. Thibodeaux stands out as one of the most talented edge rushers to play college football in recent years. He is a lengthy, freakishly athletic, high-motored, diverse pass-rusher whose sky-high ceiling projects him as arguably the best pure prospect in the 2022 draft.

2022 nfl mock draft steelers 7 rounds - With college football bowl games in full effect and the playoffs just around the corner

As a result, this should be where they focus their attention in the early part of the 2022 NFL Draft. Notre Dame safety Kyle Hamilton is one of the best players in the class. At 6'4″ and 214 pounds, he has uncommon size at the safety position.

2022 nfl mock draft steelers 7 rounds - The NFL Draft order at the top will be solidified soon enough and we can start predicting the early portion of the first round

Hamilton has the football intelligence and ball skills to be devastatingly impactful in coverage. He also possesses the athletic ability to patrol the entire field, and the physicality to come downhill in the run game. With a void on the interior lineman, enter Heisman Trophy candidate Jordan Davis. One of the most dominant defensive players in college football is going to be an outstanding gap stuffer in the NFL. One of the most underrated and undervalued receivers in college football, Burks will explode at the professional level. His strength and size (6-3, 225 pounds) eliminates defensive backs' attempts to jam him at the line of scrimmage.

2022 nfl mock draft steelers 7 rounds - Let

Burks also possesses that special burst to go deep and stretch defensive coverages that underestimate his long speed. In addition, the Patriots would undoubtedly appreciate Burks' willingness to block downfield. The closer we get to draft day, the more I attempt to match what teams will actually do with their draft picks as opposed to what I believe they should do. Cunningham has impressive length and once he has his hands sets on the opposing pass rusher, he just locks him down. The Razorbacks' starting tackle has experience playing both at left and right tackle.

2022 nfl mock draft steelers 7 rounds - This Steelers pick will likely be a common landing spot for quarterbacks in other mock drafts

Cunningham displays great footwork and solid lateral agility, he's very reliable in run blocking but still needs to improve in pass protection. Cunningham has often issues facing explosive pass rushers and needs to work on his hand placement. Veteran pass rushers Calais Campbell and Justin Houston are set to become unrestricted free agents at the end of the season. So, adding more pass rushers to the mix will be one of Baltimore's biggest priorities during the offseason.

2022 nfl mock draft steelers 7 rounds - And with expected holes along the interior offensive line in 2022

College football has two more games left with Tuesday night's Texas Bowl between Kansas State and LSU as well as the National Championship between Alabama and Georgia. After that, all focus falls upon on the NFL Draft process, which will get underway with February's scouting combine. In most mock drafts from CBS Sports' Ryan Wilson, Oregon defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux and most recently Michigan's own Aidan Hutchinson has occupied the top spot.

2022 nfl mock draft steelers 7 rounds - He has been a stalwart for the Aggies this season

Now, Dallas needs to put the finishing touches on its secondary to create the best NFL defense. Ahmad Gardner plays with physicality and it's part of the reason why he dominated at Cincinnati for so many years. There are few pass-catchers in college better at separating from defensive backs and creating a window for quarterbacks to target than Wilson. Bryan Lynn-USA TODAY SportsRounding out our defensive selections with the Eagles' first-round picks, they add a pass rusher to solidify the front.

2022 nfl mock draft steelers 7 rounds - With the college football regular season finished and the 2021 NFL regular season having only five weeks left

With prototypical size (6-foot-5) and a lightning-quick first step off the snap, Walker just needs NFL coaching to become an eight-plus sack player at the next level. After playing only one game in 2020, Ojabo erupted for an 11-sack season this year with five forced fumbles. This could just be a hint of what he is able to accomplish as this athlete becomes an even better football player. Speaking of great defensive backs, the Eagles snatch up another one here with the addition of LSU's elite cover corner. Stingley Jr. has been arguably college football's top corner since his true freshman season and would instantly upgrade the Eagles' ever-struggling secondary.

2022 nfl mock draft steelers 7 rounds - For many pro teams

He has prototype size, speed, and range for a boundary CB prospect and remains a borderline top-five prospect in the 2022 NFL Draft. An ideal boundary cornerback, Stingley's prototypical size (6-1, 190 pounds) and rare blend of athleticism with elite football I.Q., make him a top five draft prospect. A former receiver himself (six career touchdown receptions at Dunham H.S ), Stingley's enhanced ability to track passes makes him difficult to beat in coverage. Neal continues to impress, helping Alabama rush for 301 yards against Cincinnati in the College Football Playoff semifinal last week.

2022 nfl mock draft steelers 7 rounds - Thibodeaux stands out as one of the most talented edge rushers to play college football in recent years

Despite his enormous frame (6-foot-7, 350 pounds), Neal's natural athleticism enhances his ability to play either tackle position and dominate. A downhill blocker with balanced footwork, his nimble movements neutralize speed and power rushers alike. Without question, Neal is an instant plug and play starter at the next level. Foskey is a prospect with a sky-high ceiling given his athleticism.

2022 nfl mock draft steelers 7 rounds - He is a lengthy

A redshirt sophomore, he didn't play as a starter until this season, in which he's quickly emerging as one of the best pass rushers in the country. He's evolving from a technical standpoint, and his combination of motor and athleticism gives him a solid floor both as a pass rusher and as a run defender. Hutchinson had a quiet game in the College Football Playoff semifinal against Georgia, recording three tackles and one tackle for loss.

2022 nfl mock draft steelers 7 rounds - As a result

However, he was one of the most dominant players in college football this season and was named a Heisman finalist. After getting the extra picks , the Eagles pass on, adding an insurance policy for right guard Brandon Brooks by taking Kenyon Green. However, the Eagles will take a linebacker In the first round for the first time since 1979. Lloyd has shown an ability to diagnose plays quickly and is fast enough to chase down ball carriers in the hole. Lloyd has eight sacks, 106 total tackles, 22 tackles for loss, and four interceptions. Lloyd's ability to play in coverage would be worth the pick alone.

2022 nfl mock draft steelers 7 rounds - Notre Dame safety Kyle Hamilton is one of the best players in the class

Denver's bye week is in the rear view mirror, and the team sits at 5-5 with some critical AFC West matchups ahead of them. While general optimism remains minimal in Broncos Country, there's a lot ahead of them for them to play for. This time is a little different, as the Broncos now have a few additional picks to use, courtesy of the Von Miller trade. Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY SportsGeorge Karlaftis doesn't have the stats of an elite pass rush, recording just 4.5 sacks in 2021. But at 6-foot-4, a player who earned a spot on Bruce Feldman's 2021 college football freaks list and draws immense praise for his work ethic, Karlaftis can be a top-5 pick.

2022 nfl mock draft steelers 7 rounds - At 64 and 214 pounds

For the Texans, who will likely emphasize specific qualities and draft based on value, Karlaftis fits. The 2021 college football season hasn't even started yet, but here is a look at my early projections in my 2022 NFL mock draft. Cross may be the most athletic offensive linemen in this draft class and that athleticism should translate well at the NFL combine, raising his stock considerably heading into April. He regularly mauls defenders while run blocking and is adept at punishing players attempting to bypass him on the way to the quarterback. Cross might be the bookend lineman the Dolphins are searching for, making them a formidable blocking unit that could control games from the line of scrimmage.

2022 nfl mock draft steelers 7 rounds - Hamilton has the football intelligence and ball skills to be devastatingly impactful in coverage

Thibodeaux's collegiate career numbers (126 tackles, 35.5 tackles for loss, 19 sacks) and explosive athleticism make him an easy top-three prospect. Jacksonville's defensive identity is nondescript, so drafting a game-changing talent like Thibodeaux provides sizzle. If the Jags' coaching hire proves to be competent, there is enough burgeoning talent in Jacksonville to challenge for a playoff spot next season. Checking in at 6'4″ and 270 pounds, the "Grecian Goliath" is a fascinating mixture of size, speed, and strength.

2022 nfl mock draft steelers 7 rounds - He also possesses the athletic ability to patrol the entire field

While he has the athletic ability to win outside, he can punish opposing offensive lines from the interior, too. His stats might not be as gaudy as some of the other pass rushers in the class, but his best work often comes outside of the box score. Defense is the priority for the Falcons, but no one can deny how underwhelming the offensive line has been. First-round pick Kaleb McGary hasn't panned out, and the unit needs to find a way to gain strength this coming offseason. As mentioned, defense is usually the call for the Falcons in 2022 mock drafts.

2022 nfl mock draft steelers 7 rounds - With a void on the interior lineman

But this time, we go offense first — because you simply can't settle on the offensive line. With their first pick in this 2022 NFL Mock Draft, the Jets solidified the offensive side of the ball with Neal. Now, they'll turn their sights to the defense, intent on attacking opposing tackles. The 2022 NFL Draft is loaded with edge-rushing talent, but one of the most exciting and fast-rising players is David Ojabo, who's been the other half of Michigan's dominant pass rush.

2022 nfl mock draft steelers 7 rounds - One of the most dominant defensive players in college football is going to be an outstanding gap stuffer in the NFL

Williams could go much higher than this, but just based on team needs inside the top ten, he may drop a few spots. With Calvin Ridley away from football indefinitely, it is vital that the Falcons add a premier talent at wide receiver. Williams was the most dangerous deep threat in the country this season, averaging over 20 yards per reception. I thought about mocking Kenny Pickett here, but the value of Williams is just too good to pass up.

2022 nfl mock draft steelers 7 rounds - One of the most underrated and undervalued receivers in college football

Although the Steelers are talked about as a quarterback-needy team, there are many other positions that could be in play as well. The Steelers do have some money to work with in free agency, but the offensive line is in shambles, the cupboard at cornerback is looking bare, and the defensive line is not getting any younger. The Steelers also have to decide on whether Terrell Edmunds, JuJu Smith-Schuster, and James Washington are worth bringing back. That puts wide receiver and safety on the list of potential needs as well. Listed at 6-foot-5, 315 pounds, Petit-Frere has experience both at left and right tackle as a technically sound player who can also count on above-average athleticism. The redshirt junior is a rock-solid pass protector, thanks to his quick feet and ability to maintain blocks.

2022 nfl mock draft steelers 7 rounds - His strength and size 6-3

Petit-Frere is also a people-mover as a run blocker, which is a pretty important trait for a run-heavy team like the Ravens. His athleticism allows him to also be a factor at the second level. Petit-Frere's maturity could see him have an impact right away in the NFL. While the Bills had one of the best offenses in the NFL in 2021, there could be some significant changes this offseason at wide receiver as well as some questions at running back.

2022 nfl mock draft steelers 7 rounds - Burks also possesses that special burst to go deep and stretch defensive coverages that underestimate his long speed

With that in mind, this latest mock draft that was run with The Mock Draft Machine on The Draft Network looks to ensure Josh Allen still has a good group of playmakers in 2022 and beyond. It wouldn't be a me mock draft if I didn't draft at least two offensive linemen, would it? The future of the interior offensive line is a little muddy in terms of the starters, but the Broncos would be wise to add more guys along the interior in terms of depth. Quinn Meinerz has been listed as the backup center pretty much all season, but now he's the starting right guard. Given that I don't think he's going to come out of the starting lineup at all moving forward, a move is going to happen up front for the team.

2022 nfl mock draft steelers 7 rounds - In addition

Given that the team has emphasized OL versatility under Mike Munchak, it makes sense to add a guy with guard and center experience with these shifting tides in mind. Calvin Austin is a national track star, and that shows on the field. He simply flies around, making play after play with his explosiveness and change of direction. In case you don't watch a ton of Memphis football, he's been one of the best playmakers in college football this season.

2022 nfl mock draft steelers 7 rounds - The closer we get to draft day

Hamler's absence has been noticeable, as the Broncos don't really have that kind of speed elsewhere. Adding another world-class athlete who has been an outstanding punt returner can't hurt. Hodges-Tomlinson is a bit undersized at 5-foot-9, but his fluidity, route-recognition, ball skills and athleticism stand out on tape. A shutdown cornerback who plays with a scrappy edge in man coverage, he would bring an element of swagger and a high football IQ to Chicago's secondary.

2022 nfl mock draft steelers 7 rounds - Cunningham has impressive length and once he has his hands sets on the opposing pass rusher

Booth hasn't had a full season as a starter yet for Clemson, but he has so much untapped potential to work with heading into 2021 and beyond. He is an athletic cornerback with the ball skills of a wide receiver, consistent physicality in man coverage and urgency in the run game. Neal is a high-ceiling prospect with a massive frame at 6-foot-7 and 360 pounds, a nasty edge in his game and impressive athleticism for his size. If developed properly, he holds a Pro Bowl ceiling at offensive tackle at the NFL level. John Reed-USA TODAY SportsPro Football Focus' highest-rated cornerback in coverage this season, Roger McCreary faced the best wide receivers in the SEC and contained them better than anyone.

2022 nfl mock draft steelers 7 rounds - The Razorbacks starting tackle has experience playing both at left and right tackle

The 6-foot defensive back brings all the qualities of a lockdown corner and would fit nicely in Brandon Staley's defense. Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY SportsA consensus top-three pick in 2022 NFL mock drafts before the season, Sam Howell didn't play up to expectations this year. But in a season without all of his top offensive weapons that went to the NFL, Howell still scored 34 total touchdowns with 2,851 passing yards and 825 rushing yards.

2022 nfl mock draft steelers 7 rounds - Cunningham displays great footwork and solid lateral agility

Safety isn't the most pressing need for the New York Giants, but there isn't an edge rusher worth taking at this spot in our NFL mock draft. Kyle Hamilton is one of the best safety prospects to enter the NFL Draft in years and if Patrick Graham remains the Giants' defensive coordinator, he'll help Hamilton become a perennial Pro Bowl selection. Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY SportsThere are three options for the Jacksonville Jagaurs in our 2022 NFL mock draft. The Jags could add do-it-all safety Kyle Hamilton to their secondary or strengthen the offensive line with left tackle Evan Beal. But Kayvon Thibodeaux offers upside this franchise can't pass on at a real position of need. We've been all over the place with the Giants' first pick of the first round.

2022 nfl mock draft steelers 7 rounds - Cunningham has often issues facing explosive pass rushers and needs to work on his hand placement

They need a linebacker, a pass rusher, probably could use some depth at receiver and in the secondary, and need to protect whomever is their quarterback . The Eagles always need wide receivers and that hasn't changed this season. DeVonta Smith showed enough to feel good about his ability to be a solid player and a No. 1 moving forward, but Jalen Reagor continued to underwhelm. This wide receiver class for the 2022 NFL Draft is loaded with pass-catchers who could be difference makers for their respective franchises quickly. We saw three receiver threats taken in the Top 10 of last year's draft.

2022 nfl mock draft steelers 7 rounds - Veteran pass rushers Calais Campbell and Justin Houston are set to become unrestricted free agents at the end of the season

Given the immediate needs of the team's near the top of this year's board however, we may not see receivers start to get their names called until the middle of the round. Still, there's certain guys who could thrive if paired with the right quarterback and the right situation. The Ben Roethlisberger era is over, but the Pittsburgh Steelers have offensive pieces in place with good WRs and a dynamic RB. This will make the transition from Roethlisberger to a rookie QB a little bit smoother. Pickett started the year off as an unknown to the casual college football fan but has put together a great resume this year.

2022 nfl mock draft steelers 7 rounds - So

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