The Steelers have needs at both quarterback and on the offensive line, and I've gone back and forth here. The next iteration of my mock will forecast trades, and it'd be reasonable to expect the Steelers to potentially move up for their guy if they're within striking distance. Corral has a quick release and above-average arm strength, and he significantly cut down his interceptions year over year (14 to five). In addition, his mobility makes him a threat as a runner as well.
I'm convinced the Steelers will take a QB at this spot if they don't trade up to grab one even earlier, and Ridder improved his stock in Indianapolis. He doesn't have the greatest arm strength for pushing the ball down the field, and that could trigger bad memories for Steelers fans who had to spend last season watching Big Ben dink and dunk, but there's plenty to like. I love his consistency in keeping his eyes down the field and looking for the pass instead of taking off at the first sign of trouble.
Ben Roethlisberger has opted for the gold watch (and likely gold jacket in five years). The buzz coming out of Mobile was the Steelers were crushing on Willis, much like they did with Najee Harris last year. Willis' dynamic mobility and strong arm were certainly on display there and in Indy. There are serious accuracy issues that will need to be ironed out in the NFL, but I'd trust Mike Tomlin and his staff to help Willis reach his full potential.
Pittsburgh needs a quarterback like I need sleep after the last week in Indianapolis: Desperately. And while Corral's resume does provide questions about a pro transition, I do feel like the Steelers are the perfect place for him to land. A running game, a clear commitment to the line, and a slew of playmakers make life easier for Corral early on and I think that will be key.
We saw the arm strength in Indianapolis. We know he's terrific on second-reaction throws. And it's pretty clear he has the most upside of the class' quarterbacks. Is he ready to take over right away? That's another discussion, and the Steelers might want to sign a Mitchell Trubisky or Teddy Bridgewater to avoid the necessity of throwing Willis out there in Week 1. But Pittsburgh needs a franchise quarterback, and Willis has arm talent, great mobility and outstanding field vision. If developed effectively, he can keep the Steelers -- who already have a good defense and some offensive playmakers -- relevant in the QB-loaded AFC North.
For the second mock draft in a row, I'm having the Steelers swap spots with the Chargers; only this time, Kevin Colbert grabs a quarterback who might be able to start right away for a win-now team.
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin has talked about not wanting to roll with a rookie quarterback in 2022, but how about an experienced rookie who has shown grown in the decision-making part of the game? While Desmond Ridder might face questions about accuracy and ball-placement, he has the ability to diagnose coverages on the fly and react in the moment to rotations in the secondary and make the right decision with the football. That will serve him well as he transitions to the NFL.
Furthermore, after the way he tested in Indianapolis, he brings perhaps more athleticism to the table than people were expecting from his film.