It never gets old talking about Pittsburgh Steelers' general manager, Omar Khan being able to secure the Chicago Bears second round pick for Chase Claypool back in November of 2022. It was much needed draft capital and it was even more of a bonus when Chicago ended up having the worst record in all of the NFL. Khan and co. are slotted to pick first on day two of the 2023 NFL Draft which is currently the 32nd overall pick due to the Miami Dolphins forfeiting their first rounder.
Steelers General Manager, Omar Khan. | George Gojkovich / Getty Images
Pittsburgh currently holds the 17th, 32nd, 49th, 80th, 120th, 236th and 243rd picks in the draft. That huge gap in between 80 and 236 is an extremely long time to wait on day three. It shouldn't surprise anyone if the Steelers end up finding a trade partner early on in order to pick up something in the fifth or sixth rounds, where they have nothing as of now.
Draft day trades are always tricky because the right guy(s) need to be on the board for another franchise, while Pittsburgh needs to be okay letting certain players go. The best opportunity to make a deal will come early and the 32nd overall selection is the one that could wind up being a difference maker.
There could be a scenario that plays out, leading to the Steelers actually taking back the 2023 fifth round selection they lost almost two years ago. Pittsburgh traded for Seattle Seahawks' cornerback, Ahkello Witherspoon and gave Seattle a 2023 fifth-rounder. It sure would be nice to have that back and it's absolutely possible given the way the board lines up on day two.
Steelers cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon warms up prior to a 2022 preseason game at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA. | PHOTO CREDIT: JORDAN SCHOFIELD / STEELERNATION (TWITTER: @JSKO_PHOTO)
The Seahawks have the the 37th overall pick thanks to the Denver Broncos going after quarterback, Russell Wilson via trade in March of 2022. Overall, they have a ton of draft capital including the 152nd overall selection in the fifth round because of the Witherspoon to Pittsburgh trade in 2021.
The Steelers would have to be okay with moving back five spots, and who knows, to have your pick of players to start day two may be worth even more than just a fifth round pick in 2023. Khan and the staff will do their due diligence when it comes to all the players available, but it's a prime spot to be in. The options are endless.
Every team has its fair share of mistakes when it comes to trades. Pittsburgh moving up for Devin Bush in 2019 turned out to be the wrong move, but the front office stole Minkah Fitzpatrick from the Dolphins the same year.
Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (#39) lurks in the secondary at Acrisure Stadium in a 2022 regular season game versus the New York Jets. | Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers And Seahawks Should Dance On Second Day Of The Draft
The opportunity to move #32 will arise and the Seahawks are a great partner. Many things will come into play and it will all come down to who fell on day one of the draft and if the Steelers are okay with that prospect going elsewhere. There's no reason to believe the organization will make a trade on draft day, but it's going to be tempting not to.
The lack of fifth and sixth round picks make it a no-brainer to move a pick somewhere. It would be great to have back the fifth rounder they lost to the Seahawks in 2021. The move would essentially mean Pittsburgh got Witherspoon for free.
Do you think the Seahawks could be a perfect trade partner on day two of the 2023 NFL Draft? Let us know in the comments below!
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