The Pittsburgh Steelers made an unlikely run to the postseason this season on the back of a strong defense. They had a vaunted pass rush, leading the league with 55 sacks, which spearheaded their defensive effort.

For how good the defense was, the offense was underwhelming. Pittsburgh was hampered by Ben Roethlisberger being under center, as his waning arm strength and limited mobility led to a lot of quick, short throws.

Knowing that the Steelers wouldn’t be able to beat a team deep, opposing defenses crowded the line of scrimmage, making it difficult to move the ball. Rushing lanes were clogged and Roethlisberger couldn’t make teams pay.

With a few tweaks, the Steelers could quickly become contenders in the AFC once again. They will have a chance to get closer to that level with their first-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. Here are four prospects the Steelers could potentially target with the 20th pick in the draft.

4. QB Kenny Pickett, Pittsburgh

Finding a long-term answer at the quarterback position is on the table for the Steelers with their first-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. One that could still be available when they come on the clock is someone that wouldn’t have to move very far to begin his professional career in Kenny Pickett.

Pickett was outstanding for the Panthers this season, playing his home games at Heinz Field, where the Steelers call home. He was a Heisman finalist, throwing for 4,308 yards and 42 touchdowns compared to only seven interceptions, completing 66.9 percent of his pass attempts.

There are some knocks against Pickett, such as his age as he is a fifth-year senior and hand size, but the production speaks for itself. He is likely the most NFL-ready of the quarterback prospects in this year’s class. Pickett put in the work as four years as Pitt’s starter and checks a lot of the boxes for NFL teams as someone who makes big throws from the pocket and is athletic enough to make plays with his legs.

3. G Kenyon Green, Texas A&M

If the Steelers are going to get their offense on track they need to figure things out in the trenches. They have excellent skill position players in wide receivers Diontae Johnson, Chase Claypool and possible JuJu Smith-Schuster if he is re-signed. Najee Harris looked like a great running back and Pat Freiermuth was solid as a rookie.

But, it is tough to get them going when the offensive line can’t block. Kenyon Green is someone that could intrigue the Steelers at No. 20 because of the versatility that he brings to the table.

If the Steelers fill the void at tackle, Green can slide into the interior to play guard. If Pittsburgh can find upgrades on the interior, Green can play outside at tackle. He has experience playing every spot with the Aggies except center.

That versatility would be great for a Steelers team looking to find the right combination of players along the offensive line to get things to click. A freak athlete for someone that weighs 325 pounds, Green would be a good building block regardless of where the Steelers deploy him.

2. OT Trevor Penning, Northern Iowa

The Steelers need to bolster the offensive line. If they do not find a fit at quarterback, this is where they need to look with their first-round pick. The physically imposing Trevor Penning would be a great selection at No. 20.

Penning stands 6’7” and weighs 321 pounds. The Steelers need players that can get the job done run blocking and there aren’t any better than Penning, who registered a run-blocking grade of 99.9 in 2021. Granted, a lot of that came against FCS opponents, but no one has ever recorded a grade that high regardless of level.

Pittsburgh had the 26th ranked offensive line in 2021, ranking 24th in run block as they generated a measly 0.9 yards before contact on average, which was 29th in the league. Penning would help improve those numbers immediately.

1. QB Malik Willis, Liberty

There have been rumors that people throughout the Steelers organization like Malik Willis. Ownership, the front office and Mike Tomlin all seem to be on the same page with the Liberty product. However, if they are going to get him, they might have to trade up to select him.

Willis saw his stock drop a little bit as the season wore on, but there is no denying that he is the most talented quarterback in this year’s draft class. He is a legitimate dual-threat quarterback, rushing for 1,822 yards and 27 touchdowns the last two seasons. Combined with a huge arm, it is understandable why there are teams that may select him inside the top-10.

It would be a major jump going from FCS to the NFL, but it is one we saw Carson Wentz navigate previously and Trey Lance was selected third overall out of South Dakota State last year as well. Willis going in the top-10 would not be a stretch.

A big-time playmaker, Willis has all of the talent to turn into a star in the NFL. He likely needs some time to develop, so a team with a veteran stopgap that can play until Willis is ready would be an ideal landing spot. The Steelers have Mason Rudolph in house already that can start if need be.