NFL insider reveals Steelers have scheduled interviews with two first-round quarterbacks
It’s no secret the Steelers could draft a quarterback in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft. On Wednesday, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport revealed two names Pittsburgh could have their eye on when their on the clock.
“The #Steelers have been one of the most interested teams when it comes to QB draft prospects and it all picks up soon: Cincinnati QB Desmond Ridder flies to PIT tonight for a visit tomorrow and then UNC QB Sam Howell has his #Steelers visit on Friday,” tweeted Rapoport. “Steelers pick 20th overall.”
First, Desmond Ridder led Cincinnati to fantastic success over his time with the Bearcats. Many experts believe it’ll take time to hone in on his skillset, but his potential is off the charts. He’s been one of the hardest quarterbacks to predict a landing spot for. Still, a year behind Mitch Trubisky could be perfect for Ridder.
On the other hand, Sam Howell played his college football at North Carolina, like Trubisky. Prior to the 2021 season, he was expected to be drafted at the top of the first round, also like Trubisky. However, an uneven season sent him tumbling down draft boards. Luckily, he’s now enjoying a resurgence in advance of the big day. While some believe he’s a second round selection, the Steelers could select Howell at No. 20 if they fall in love with the former Tar Heels star.
Of course, there are plenty of options — a trade to the top of the round to secure either Liberty’s Malik Willis or Pittsburgh’s Kenny Pickett isn’t out of the question. Additionally, Ole Miss’ Matt Corral is a wildcard among the group.
As you can see, the Steelers will be looking for a quarterback in the 2022 NFL Draft, it’s just a matter of who they select.
Mike Tomlin gives surprisingly candid take on Steelers draft strategy
Moreover, the Ben Rothlisberger era is over for the Pittsburgh Steelers, with a franchise quarterback not currently on the roster. A move was made for Mitch Trubisky but he is not thought to be the next guy up for head coach Mike Tomlin, with another quarterback soon to be added to the roster.
When Tomlin was asked exactly how Pittsburgh was going to get another signal-caller, he said most likely through the upcoming 2022 NFL draft. He did not specify if it would be in the first round or later on. However, he did say heading into April, the plan is the select a quarterback in Las Vegas.
“Probably the draft I think is our target as we sit here today,” Tomlin said. “There’s so many moving parts in draft development. That’s our target but we’ll see what happens and transpires. Obviously, how the names come off the board have a lot to do with that.”
Heading into the draft, the Steelers have the No. 20 overall pick, where there could be a couple of quarterback options available. Malik Willis of the Liberty Flames has been a trendy pick recently, while hometown guy Kenny Pickett of the Pittsburgh Panthers should still be on the board as well. Ole Miss‘ Matt Corral, who is coming of an ankle injury suffered in the Sugar Bowl, is considered to be the final first-round quality quarterback.
Pittsburgh will have options if they indeed spend their first-round pick on the position. Trading up may be necessary as well, with other quarterback-hungry teams inside of the top 15. The future of the franchise could be decided by this decision, especially if the quarterback is taken.