Pros and Cons of Steelers taking a QB first in 2022 NFL Draft

Jan 16, 2022; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; A fan holds a sign in the stands thanking Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (not pictured) following the game against the Kansas City Chiefs in an AFC Wild Card playoff football game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 16, 2022; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; A fan holds a sign in the stands thanking Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (not pictured) following the game against the Kansas City Chiefs in an AFC Wild Card playoff football game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
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Cincinnati Bearcats cornerback Ahmad Gardner (1). Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports
Cincinnati Bearcats cornerback Ahmad Gardner (1). Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports

Cons of Steelers taking a QB with 20th overall pick

The glaring problem with drafting one here is their upside may not be high enough to make it worth it. While there are several other needs at OL, WR depth, and defensive back. This could be a gamble one in which, if they get it wrong could set back a playoff-ready franchise for 2-3 years maybe blowing the Watt, Harris, and Claypool window.

The Steelers were the number one rushing team last year and could continue pushing that forward with another top-end offensive lineman. Ju-Ju Smith may not be back next year though Claypool and Johnson showed they could shoulder the load, after that there leaves much to be desired. As for the defensive backs, the Steelers were middle of the pack or just above as far as passing defense, though you could point a lot of that due to a top-end pass rush.

With a large amount of depth at wide receiver and defensive back, the Steelers could find a top-end player fall to them who would end up being better than any quarterback they draft.

If they end up going quarterback and don’t go after a much more polished player, this quarterback cant progress. We could see an already playoff team fall behind the Ravens and Bengals in the division even further.  Yes, the Ravens weren’t elite this year, but may have been the most hurt team in the NFL.

They need to keep the pressure on stopping the high-powered offenses of those two teams and be able to score at will as well.

This could be a make-or-break pick, which is not usually common for a team drafting so late in the draft. There should be some veteran quarterbacks in free agency or up for trade this year such as Aaron Rodgers, Jimmy G, Russel Wilson, and Matt Ryan.

While I would like to see the Steelers not take a quarterback in the first round due to the questions surrounding who will be there at the 20th pick, they may not end up having a choice if they Blair Walsh free agency and miss wide on the quarterback. However, if that is the case I think it’s locked in whichever quarterback is left at 20 seems to be locked into being the next starter in the black and gold.