There have been multiple reports and a ton of speculation recently regarding the Pittsburgh Steelers exploring trade options to potentially move up in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft. The most likely outcome if this occurred would be the organization targeting a specific top prospect on the offensive line or maybe even at cornerback. Without a ton of draft capital, it'd be intriguing to see how general manager, Omar Khan would maneuver such an aggressive deal. It'd certainly be risky in his first draft as the head of the team's front office.
Steelers former Vice President of Football Operations and current general manager, Omar Khan smiles while on the field in Pittsburgh, PA. | Photo Credit: Charles LeClaire / USA Today Sports
An individual close to the organization, Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, is not only not sold on the idea of trading up in the first round, but also highlighted in a chat with fans on Wednesday that there is essentially no truth to the 'reports' of the franchise making a big move and referred to the talk surrounding it as something else.
"You used the operative word -- rumors. Look, the Steelers explore trades all the time. They were looking to trade up last year to get Pickett, which would have been a big mistake."
Another fan chimed in later and asked Dulac if the trade were to occur, would the Steelers most likely be doing it to select an offensive tackle or cornerback with the pick? The writer didn't seem to be necessarily pleased with the question and people assuming a trade up is on the table.
"Who says they are trying to move up. Trust me, NOBODY would know that. NOBODY."
Steelers head coach, Mike Tomlin roams on the field at St. Vincent College during 2022 training camp at Latrobe, PA. | Photo Credit: Jordan Schofield/SteelerNation (JSKO_PHOTO Twitter)
Dulac, however, didn't completely rule out a trade on the first two days of the draft. He has been around the team for years and has a little better understanding of what goes on behind closed doors. The pick to look out for isn't the first-rounder, but the very first selection of the second round.
"I think that is more likely than trading up from 17."
Dulac hints that he would be less surprised if the Steelers trade back into the first round with the 32nd overall pick. It could make sense if one of the better players on their board is falling close to the second.
Every year it comes up that Pittsburgh is always willing to discuss trade options in order to not close the door on anything, but it's not often that a big splash ends up coming into play. This is especially true when it comes to going up to get someone. The front office may have some second thoughts after giving up draft capital to select linebacker, Devin Bush 10th overall in 2019.
Steelers linebacker, Devin Bush walks on the field at Acrisure Stadium before a 2022 regular season game against the Baltimore Ravens in Pittsburgh, PA. | Photo Credit: Jordan Schofield/SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers Will Only Make A Big Move If It's The Perfect Situation
Pittsburgh trusts the pre-draft process and will have a couple names on the list of being worth trading up to get. If there are any talks right now, which Dulac adamantly denies anyone would know, it's likely the team is just putting feelers out there to get a sense of what the ask will be on draft night. The perfect player and trade partner would need to be available if anything crazy happens in the firs round.
Do you think Dulac is right in bashing the trade rumors? Let us know in the comments below!
#SteelerNation
