As we approach the end of the 2021 NFL regular season and College Football Bowl season, mock drafts are plentiful. While almost none of them turn out to be even remotely accurate aside from the first few picks, fans love to read and imagine certain players landing on their favorite teams. Pittsburgh Steeler fans are no different and the 2022 NFL Draft will be one of the most important in recent memory for the storied franchise.
One of the most respected draft experts is Todd McShay with ESPN. The Steelers have several holes and not a plethora of draft capital to deal with. That didn't stop McShay from selecting Ben Roethlisberger's replacement with pick #12 (which is where the Steelers would land if the regular season ended today). McShay took the bait as many in Pittsburgh are and has Kenny Pickett from the University of Pittsburgh remaining in the Steel City.
McShay notes that Pickett probably has the best combination of attributes out of any quarterback in the draft and while the Steelers need help on the offensive and defense line, at linebacker and the cornerback position, Pickett staying in Pittsburgh to further the legacy he has already created this past season seemed too attractive to pass up for McShay.
[incontent2]
Pickett finished third in Heisman voting as the senior threw for 4,319 yards, 42 touchdowns and just seven interceptions for the Panthers this season. He added five rushing touchdowns as well. At 6'3, 220 he is an ideal size for an NFL quarterback, but some may wonder if this breakout season for him foreshadows a prominent NFL career or if Pickett is a one season wonder.
Pickett has not yet made a decision on whether he will play for the Panthers in the Peach Bowl vs. Michigan State.
Ahmad Gardner, cornerback from Cincinnati, would have been my pick here as McShay has him going 15th overall to the Minnesota Vikings. As stated above though, no one really can accurately predict this stuff. Especially in December, but it sure is fun to think about.
Do you like McShay's selection in Pickett? Who do you want to see the Steelers go after in the first round? Let us know in the comments below!
#SteelerNation
