3 Ideal Targets For The Steelers With No. 20 Pick In The NFL Draft

Steelers, NFL Draft
NFL Analysis Network

The Pittsburgh Steelers were a surprise entrant into the postseason this year, sneaking into the last Wild Card spot. Despite getting blown out by the Kansas City Chiefs during Super Wild Card Weekend, it was a solid ending to the career of Ben Roethlisberger, who got Pittsburgh into the playoffs one more time before calling it quits.

Finding a long-term answer at the position is near the top of the priority list for the team this offseason, but there are also some other holes to address. The offensive line needs a boost to truly get this offense on track as they were below average across the board.

Improving the offensive line will get the entire unit back on track that will essentially be starting from scratch after a scheme was put in specifically because of Roethlisberger’s limitations. Pittsburgh is never big spenders in free agency, but the team has the draft to address more of their holes.

Who could the Steelers look to add in the first round? Here are three ideal prospects for Pittsburgh to target with the 20th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.

3. LB Devin Lloyd, Utah

The Steelers’ defense is their bread and butter. They have a vaunted pass rush and if they can clean up their run defense in 2022, they will be among the best units once again this season.

They are always one step ahead and linebacker may not seem like a pressing need, but it could be sooner than later. Myles Jack signed a two-year deal this offseason and Devin Bush is entering his fourth season with the Steelers but has yet to live up to expectations.

If there is any hesitation on retaining both beyond this season, the Steelers will need reinforcements. If Devin Lloyd drops in the draft, Pittsburgh could be tempted to select him as their next great long-term linebacker.

Lloyd is arguably the best all-around linebacker in this year’s class and could be the leader of their second level for years to come. He does it all as he can blitz, play coverage and in space with above-average grades across the board. 

While not the most pressing need, you can never put it past a team like Pittsburgh to select the best available prospect and that very well could be Lloyd.

2. QB Desmond Ridder, Cincinnati

There is a chance, despite the signing of Mitchell Trubisky in free agency, that the Steelers will look to select their potential long-term answer at the quarterback position in the first round of this draft.

They are reportedly enamored with Malik Willis as the organization, from ownership down through the front office and Mike Tomlin, all covet Willis. But, it would be a huge upset if he remained on the board until No. 20.

Instead, if the Steelers are looking at a quarterback, Desmond Ridder is a realistic target at No. 20. Kenny Pickett remaining in Pittsburgh and playing professionally with the Steelers after playing collegiately with the Panthers would be a good story, but it is sounding more and more likely that he too will be off the board by this time.

Ridder would provide the Steelers with the athleticism and running ability they are looking for in their quarterback. He has ample experience and his career-high 90.7 grade in 2021 shows just how far he came throughout his career with the Bearcats.

If Pittsburgh is dead set on a quarterback at No. 20, Ridder could be their man.

1. OT Trevor Penning, Northern Iowa

Fixing the offensive line was likely the No. 1 priority for the Steelers this offseason after finding a quarterback to replace Ben Roethlisberger. They began the process by landing James Daniels and Mason Cole.

But, the job is not yet done. Pittsburgh could still use some help at the tackle spots and the 20th overall pick could provide them a chance to address it. Trevor Penning out of Northern Iowa would be an ideal selection for the Steelers.

Unable to get much going in the running game last season, poor offensive line performance was a big reason why. The Steelers were 24th in run blocking grade and 29th in generating yards before contact. Penning would improve those numbers right away with his insertion into the lineup.

Penning is a mountain of a man, standing 6’7” and weighing 321 pounds. His run blocking grade of 99.9 was the highest ever charted at PFF. While most of that was against FCS opponents, he decimated the player across from him, which is what you are supposed to do if you are going to be an NFL prospect.

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