There has been a ton of talk in recent days theorizing the Pittsburgh Steelers moving up in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Whether it would be to select one of the top offensive linemen, cornerbacks or University of Georgia star, Jalen Carter is anyone's guess. The main complication with an aggressive move into the Top 10 is that the organization already has minimal draft capital and the asking price may be way too high. That raises the question about the potential of shopping one or multiple selections in order to open up more possibilities.
Steelers head coach, Mike Tomlin roams the field at St. Vincent College while his team stretches prior to practice during the 2022 training camp in Latrobe, PA. | Photo Credit: Jordan Schofield/SteelerNation (@JSKO_PHOTO Twitter)
Trading one of the two seventh-round picks on the final day of the draft isn't going to do anything for the team as far as 2023 goes, so we'll leave that possibility off. If the team is going to look to move any one of the selections, there should be one that comes to mind immediately that should get the franchise a solid haul.
1.) Steelers Need To Shop #32 - Round Two - Pick #1
The trade that sent wide receiver, Chase Claypool to the Chicago Bears was the best move of General Manager Omar Khan's first year at the helm. Several players currently graded in the first round will fall into the second and the Steelers will have all of the power. It's a real possibility to gain multiple picks and make the lack of fifth and sixth-rounders feel insignificant.
2.) Round One - Pick #17
Contrary to the popular belief that Pittsburgh might want to move up in the first round, it's not a bad idea to shop this pick if the right corner or offensive lineman isn't there. It would be wise to trade it to one of the teams between 18-21 as staying ahead of divisional rivals Baltimore Ravens will be critical as both teams are meeting with several cornerbacks.
Miami Hurricanes cornerback, Tyrique Stevenson (#2) is one of several at the position to meet with both the Steelers and Ravens. | Photo Credit: Jacob Kupferman | AP
3.) Round 2 - Pick #18
The higher the pick, the more value that comes with it. The 49th overall selection certainly has some worth to it. It would be more of a 'Steelers move' to leave the first two draft picks as is in order to grab an offensive lineman and cornerback while then moving the second selection in round two for more later on.
4.) Round 3 - Pick #17
The third-rounder for the Steelers could be the one that helps the team to get a fifth and maybe even a sixth-round pick. If the team addresses key needs in certain areas early on, a player who falls deeper into the draft than expected at one of those positions could easily be shopped by Pittsburgh.
5.) Round 4 - Pick #18
This lands last on the list simply because it holds the least amount of value (aside from the seventh-rounders). The Steelers have always been willing to listen to offers on draft weekend and while this isn't a top pick, trading back in the fourth round for two selections, later on, could prove worth it.
Steelers general manager, Omar Khan. | Photo Credit: George Gojkovich / Getty Images
As we get closer and closer to the draft, there is no telling what Pittsburgh has in mind. With nothing agreed on at the moment, it's always possible that the front office sits tight and doesn't do anything abnormal, but with the Khan and Andy Weidl era fully in motion, the duo could surprise the fanbase and make one or multiple moves.
What are you expecting from the Steelers on draft night? Let us know in the comments below!
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