The NFL calendar continues to move, and with the first wave of NFL Free Agency in the rear view mirror, all 32 NFL teams are diagnosing their team needs and seeing how they can improve their rosters with the draft in just a couple weeks.
When it comes to the 2022 NFL Draftteams like the Pittsburgh Steelers have a need at quarterback. But what teams could potentially take quarterbacks off the board before they pick at No. 20?
Below is the official NFL Draft order, as of this being published, and an analysis of each team who could be in the market for a signal caller. Let’s take a look at who might spoil the Steelers’ plans at getting a quarterback, if they choose to do so…
2022 NFL Draft Order
one. jacksonville jaguars
The Jaguars spent their first overall selection a year ago on Trevor Lawrence. They aren’t in the market for a quarterback.
two. Detroit Lions
After the trade for Jared Goff, I can see the Lions looking to add to their quarterback depth. I just don’t know if they want to spend a first round pick on a quarterback. If they do, it would be No. 32, the pick they received from the Rams in the Matthew Stafford trade.
There are many people who like Davis Mills, but plenty don’t feel he is the answer. Either way, the Texans could be a team who is looking for a quarterback, it just won’t likely be at pick No. 3.
Four. New York Jets
After spending a first round pick on Zach Wilson in 2021, the Jets won’t be looking at a quarterback with the 4th overall pick.
The Giants still have Daniel Jones, but they are looking for someone to compete with him. Nonetheless, don’t underestimate the Giants as a possibility at quarterback here.
The Panthers have Sam Darnold, but that experience didn’t go well in 2021. While rumors have swirled of the Panthers looking to trade back, if that doesn’t happen the Panthers could be the first team to take a quarterback in Round 1.
7. New York Giants (From CHI)
With the Giants having two picks in the Top 10 and this could turn into them taking a quarterback at this spot. It all depends on the organization’s confidence in Daniel Jones as the answer, but don’t be shocked if the Giants are in the mix for a quarterback.
Matt Ryan is out of Atlanta, and it seems like the Falcons are going to be in the market for a new quarterback even though they brought in Marcus Mariota. Spending an 8th overall pick on a quarterback is a strong statement, and one I’m not sure Atlanta is wanting to make this year. They could take a quarterback, but I wouldn’t be shocked if they passed too.
9. Seattle Seahawks (From DEN)
When the Seahawks traded Russell Wilson to Denver, fans immediately saw them needing a quarterback in the upcoming draft. Yes, Drew Lock was thrown into the trade, but it is doubtful he is seen as an answer. Unless Seattle makes a move before the draft at the position, I expect them in the mix for taking a quarterback in Round 1.
10. New York Jets (From SEA)
11.Washington Commanders
Like Seattle, the Commanders are in the market for a new quarterback. Even though they just traded with Indianapolis for Carson Wentz, don’t think Washington isn’t wanting to add to the position. If teams like Seattle, Houston and Carolina pass on quarterbacks, I can’t foresee Washington following suit.
Barring the Vikings dumping Kirk Cousins, which they didn’t do, and having no faith in Kellen Mond, Minnesota isn’t looking for a quarterback.
13. Houston Texans (From CLE)
With two picks in the top 13 picks, you could easily see Houston targeting a quarterback with one of those picks. However, they could also use the draft picks to bolster the rest of their lineup. The Texans are a wild card when it comes to QB needy teams.
14. Baltimore Ravens
If Lamar Jackson is still on the roster, and he is, the Ravens will be looking to add to other positions.
fifteen. philadelphia eagles (From MIA)
The first of three first round picks for the Eagles, Jalen Hurts hasn’t proven he is the answer at the position, but is this the year to draft a quarterback in the first round? Some might suggest they could, but I wouldn’t bet on it.
16. New Orleans Saints (Trade with PHI)
When the Saints swapped first round picks with the Eagles, you could see the writing on the wall for New Orleans to target a quarterback. Whether it be selecting a signal caller who falls to them, or using these picks to move up, I think it is safe to say the Saints are a team to be on the look out to potentially take a quarterback off the board in Round 1.
Justin Herbert is one of the bright young quarterbacks in the league. No chance the Chargers even considered a quarterback for a long time.
18. Philadelphia Eagles (Trade with NO)
See No. 15.
19. New Orleans Saints (Trade with PHI)
See picks No. 16.
20.Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers are absolutely in the mix for a quarterback. Whether you, the fan, like it or not, the Steelers could take a quarterback if one falls to them at 20.
twenty-one. New England Patriots
After drafting Mac Jones in 2021, the Patriots will be addressing other needs.
22. Green Bay Packers (Trade with LVR)
The Packers have Aaron Rodgers and Jordan Love, what they need is wide receiver help. I think it’s safe to say the Packers aren’t in the market for a signal caller.
Despite Kyler Murray’s Instagram profile, the Cardinals won’t be getting rid of him anytime soon.
24. Dallas Cowboys
Dak Prescott. Moving on.
25. buffalo bills
Josh Allen. Moving on.
26. Tennessee Titans
The Titans are a team to keep an eye on. Not that Ryan Tannehill hasn’t played well for them, but if they really like a quarterback they feel could be the answer after Tannehill, they could try and move up to get their guy. The Titans could be in the mix.
Tom Brady’s retirement threw a wrench in the Buccaneers’ plans. Many would consider this team to be a quarterback away, and, like the Titans, could be a team to see if they move up to try and get their guy. Unless they think Kyle Trask is ready to take over…
Aaron Rodgers’ mega deal. Moving on.
29. Kansas City Chiefs (From MIA)
Patrick Mahomes. Moving on.
See No. 29.
Joe Burrow. Moving on.
32. Detroit Lions (From LAR)
As stated earlier, if the Lions are going to take a quarterback, it might be a player who falls to them at 32.
For the Steelers, when you look at the teams who are ahead of them in the draft process, you can consider the following teams as potentially taking a quarterback ahead of them:
Carolina Panthers
New York Giants
Atlanta Falcons
Seattle Seahawks
Washington Commanders
New Orleans Saints
It is highly unlikely all these teams take a quarterback, but we’ve all seen runs on positions before in the draft. If a run on quarterbacks happens, and the Steelers stay put at No. 20, they’ll be addressing other needs in Round 1. To many fans of the team, that is music to their ears.
Stay tuned to BTSC for the latest news and notes surrounding the Steelers as they prepare for the rest of free agency and the NFL Draft.
