Steelers Get QB Sam Howell, G Zion Johnson in The Athletic’s Two-Round Mock Draft

The Athletic has released its newest two-round mock draft, and has the Pittsburgh Steelers addressing two of their biggest needs.

With their first rounder, they predict the Steelers will select North Carolina quarterback Sam Howell.

“With Ben Roethlisberger likely having played his final game in a Steelers’ uniform, there is a ‘Quarterback Wanted’ sign hanging on the front of Heinz Field,” The Athletic’s Dane Brugler wrote. “Although Howell’s junior season didn’t go exactly according to plan, he has NFL-level arm talent and mobility and is ready to step in as the Steelers’ starter from day one.”

Howell passed for 10,283 yards and 92 touchdowns with 23 interceptions in three seasons as the Tar Heels’ starter. He also showed improvement as a runner in 2021, adding 828 yards and eleven touchdowns on the ground.

With their second round selection, which is 52nd-overall, they have the Steelers drafting Boston College guard Zion Johnson to bolster the offensive line.

Considered one of the top interior offensive linemen in the draft, Johnson was an accomplished run blocker in Boston College’s steady ground attack.

Johnson also has an entire season’s worth of experience playing left tackle as well, providing versatility to a Steelers offensive line in need of options.

Johnson was named a First-Team All-American by at least one publication for his performance last season. He was also named to an All-ACC team each of the last three years.