Pittsburgh Steelers replace Ben Roethlisberger, start future in 2022 NFL Mock Draft

Oct 2, 2021; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Mississippi Rebels quarterback Matt Corral (2) throws a pass against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the first half of an NCAA college football game at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 2, 2021; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Mississippi Rebels quarterback Matt Corral (2) throws a pass against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the first half of an NCAA college football game at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports /
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Pittsburgh Steelers
Matt Corral. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /

The Pittsburgh Steelers finally turn the page on Ben Roethlisberger in this 2022 NFL Mock Draft that starts the future with a full 7-round projection.

The Pittsburgh Steelers are very much at a crossroads. Ben Roethlisberger is a shell of the quarterback he once was and it’s becoming painfully obvious with each passing week, particularly with the team starting the year at 1-3. On top of that, the offensive line is in shambles and the defense, though star-laden, has depth issues that have come to light.

Put simply, it’s hard to imagine things getting better for the Steelers this season. As such, it already feels like it’s time to look ahead, particularly to the 2022 NFL Draft.

If things continue as they’ve started, the Steelers should be in a great spot to have a high pick in the first round. While they don’t have a fourth or fifth-round pick, they should have valuable compensatory picks for their losses in free agency. So how can they reset the franchise and head into a new chapter? We’re exploring their options in this 7-round 2022 NFL Mock Draft for Pittsburgh.

Note: This mock draft was compiled using The Draft Network mock draft machine.

Pittsburgh Steelers 2022 NFL Mock Draft: Round 1

Round 1, Pick 9: Matt Corral, QB, Ole Miss

Basically, with their pick of the litter in this quickly diminishing quarterback class in the 2022 NFL Draft, the Steelers tab Matt Corral as the successor to Big Ben. And in my opinion, they’re getting the surest thing in the draft.

Though Corral is in a totally different mold than Roethlisberger from a size perspective at 6-foot-1, 205 pounds, he offers a ton of upside. Not only is he the most consistently accurate quarterback in the class but he offers upside as a dual-threat player who can run for extra yardage and also extend plays.

Some will say that Corral’s arm strength is lacking and, while he might not have the cannon of a Spencer Rattler, that’s not entirely true as he is adequate in that regard. If he can continue his efficient and polished work in 2021, the Steelers could be confident that the Ole Miss star will be their quarterback of the future.