2022 NFL Draft: 3 options at quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers

Matt Corral, Ole Miss

Despite being a tad undersized at 6’2”, 212-pounds, Matt Corral is everything you could want in a starting quarterback, especially if you’re the Pittsburgh Steelers. He is competitive, athletic, accurate, and tough as nails. He’s basically already a Steeler.

Unfortunately, we didn’t get to see Corral work out at the combine. Since he’s still recovering from the ankle injury he suffered in Ole Miss’ bowl game back in January. But from just looking at the tape, and his statistics over the past few seasons, we already have a pretty good idea for what Matt Corral brings to the table.

Over his four years at Ole Miss, Corral demonstrated to be a sound leader as well as a true dual-threat quarterback for a high-powered Rebel offense. One who not only has the arm strength and ability to fit the ball into tight spaces. But also a player that can move around in the pocket or run to pick up some extra yards at a moment’s notice.

In 2020, Corral threw for 3,337 yards, and 29 touchdowns on 70% of his passes through the air, while also rushing for 506 yards and 4 touchdowns. Even though he did throw 14 interceptions in just 13 games, he still managed to finish with a stunning passer rating of 177.6. Which was good enough for 9th in the country.

He also made up for the turnovers the following year in 2021, throwing for 3,349 yards, 20 touchdowns, and just 4 picks all season. While also completing over 67% of his passes, and finishing with another solid passer rating of 155.3.

Not only was he more efficient, but he also evolved into a serious threat running the ball, ending with 614 yards and 11 touchdowns on the ground. He may not be as polished or proven as other QBs in this year’s draft, but he has tremendous leadership, poise, and toughness that should translate well to the NFL.

Plus, the Steelers still have Najee Harris to hand the ball off to and carry most of the load on offense. As well as two big-bodied pass-catchers in Chase Claypool and Pat Freiermuth, who Corral can easily dish the ball to on those short and intermediate routes.

Pittsburgh also recently brought in veteran Mitchell Trubisky, who could easily start right away, which would provide ample time for Corral to develop into a legitimate franchise quarterback.

All things considered, Matt Corral feels like a very realistic play for the Steelers with the 20th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.