Nicastro: Final Pittsburgh Steelers 2022 Mock Draft

RD2, Pick 52: DeMarvin Leal DT Texas A&M

Leal is a 3-tech defensive tackle who fills an enormous need with Stephon Tuitt’s availability still in question. The Steelers drafted two Texas A&M prospects last year in Dan Moore Jr. and Buddy Johnson, so they've seen a lot of Leal on film. They go back to the well here to draft a player who was once considered a top 10 pick. 

Leal had a subpar 2021 campaign, as the Aggies struggled to find a position for him, kicking Leal both inside and outside week in and week out. But he’s incredibly talented, and just 21 years old. Both of those are extremely appealing for a team in desperate need of an infusion of youth on the d-line.

It’s not a wide receiver, but that’s okay. It’s a deep draft for wideouts. While I think you could lock in a Skyy Moore or Christian Watson here if they are available, they won’t be. The two receivers left on my board that I considered with this pick are Alabama’s John Metchie and South Alabama’s Jalen Tolbert. At the end of the day I think the Steelers would rather have Leal & a Danny Gray type (spoiler alert), opposed to Tolbert and a defensive tackle like Arkansas’s John Ridgeway, later.

RD 3, Pick 84: Danny Gray WR SMU

A popular pick among Steelers’ pundits, Gray is FAF (fast as ****). Standing at 6’0, he ran a 4.33 at the combine. The best way to describe him is explosive. He averaged over 16 yards per catch last season, and this offense desperately needs another deep threat. 

Steelers WR Coach Frisman Jackson traveled to SMU to get an up close and personal look at Gray earlier this month. I’m guessing he liked what he saw. 

RD 4, Pick 138: Romeo Doubs WR Nevada 

The classic double-down! In 2010, the Steelers drafted WR’s Emmanuel Sanders (third round) and Antonio Brown (sixth round.) That worked out ok. I like that idea coming to fruition once again this year. 

Doubs is a more polished version of Ray-Ray McCloud. He had a breakout 2020 campaign (58 catches, 1,002 yards and nine touchdowns in nine games) and continued to be one of the most productive wideouts in all of college football by catching 80 passes for 1,109 yards and 11 touchdowns in 11 games in 2021.

Doubs is also an accomplished punt returner, totaling 463 yards and one touchdown over 37 returns (12.5 yards per return). He would immediately slot in as the punt and kick returner for the Steelers. That’s tremendous value for a player in the 4th, and gives the team two opportunities to find the next Diontae Johnson, with Gray and Doubs.

Round 6, Pick 208: Cade Mays G/T Tennessee

Kevin Colbert goes back to another Power-5 school and snatches up Mays, a tackle in college who likely projects to a Guard in the NFL. He has the versatility to kick out and play right-tackle. The Steelers got a close up look at Mays during the Senior Bowl, where they had a private meeting with him.

Although the team signed James Daniels and Mason Cole to bulk up the OL this offseason, they shouldn't be done adding to the offensive front. Especially after the disaster that was last season.

Round 7, Pick 225: DeCobie Durant CB South Carolina State

The Steelers address a need here with a freak-athlete, small-school cat who ran himself onto the radar with an impressive 4.38 forty at the combine. He's incredibly raw - as most 6th round picks are. Durant checks in at only 5'10 and 175 lbs, so he will need to eat a bunch of Pierogis this summer.

The Steelers obviously haven't drafted corners well, so if they are going to do it, they should probably wait until later in the draft.

Round 7, Pick 241: Connor Heyward FB/TE Michigan State

This would be the perfect way to put a bow on a beautiful draft. The little brother of Cam Heyward, Connor can play wing-TE, fullback, and even some running back. He would be a special teams' ace from day one. Even if all this pick does is put a smile on the face of big brother Cam, it was worth it.

How do you feel about this draft and who do you have the Steelers selecting? Tweet us over @yinzercrazyshow and let us know!