Pittsburgh Steelers 2022 Mock Draft: A New Era At QB, Boosting The OL

Round 2, 46th Overall: Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa

The Steelers mock draft continues in the second round by focusing on another area that needs a major facelift: the offensive line. The Pittsburgh Steelers bypassed getting help in the 2021 draft along the line for a workhorse running back and a new tight end. They went after Kendrick Green and Dan Moore in the mid rounds, and both have been thrust into the starting lineup with mixed results so far.

Even if Moore and Green develop well and secure starting spots, the line still needs more help. Trai Turner isn’t signed past the 2021 season, and Chukwuma Okorafor has struggled mightily at tackle. Zach Banner probably isn’t the long term solution either.

Instead, the Steelers opt for Northern Iowa tackle Trevor Penning. Penning might not have reached the national spotlight just yet, but his game will speak for itself, potentially down at the Senior Bowl this coming winter. He’s a force against the run and has the power and hand usage to succeed on the outside. Penning was a one-man wrecking crew against Iowa State, and he can become a starter from day one to help out the running game and give Najee Harris more open lanes, not to mention more secure protection for their new quarterback.