The Pittsburgh Steelers have reportedly been interested in making a move up in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft. It'll be interesting to see what the front office decides to do on draft day, but the average fan should understand that one of the biggest weekends all year in the NFL is completely unpredictable. It is easy to take a look at a couple teams, however, other than the Chicago Bears, that could and should be a perfect trade partner in the first couple rounds.
Steelers Head Coach, Mike Tomlin and General Manager, Omar Khan speak to the media during a pre-draft press conference in 2023. | Photo Credit: Pittsburgh Steelers YouTube Channel
The NFL world received the munch anticipated breaking news on Monday that former Green Bay Packers' quarterback, Aaron Rodgers had finally been traded to the New York Jets. That is a huge development for Pittsburgh because the swap of first round picks means the Jets inch closer to the Steelers 17th overall and General Manager, Omar Khan should be interested in what Green Bay's asking price is for #13.
Pittsburgh now has the opportunity to jump the Jets at #15 (who need a left tackle) and Washington Commanders at #16 (in need of a cornerback). There's no doubt with the Packers newfound draft capital, moving a few spots back in the first round may seem pretty insignificant if a deal comes across the table and makes sense for them.
The challenge here may be the New England Patriots, who could use some weapons on the offensive end just like the Packers. Green Bay has been consistently linked to Utah tight end, Dalton Kincaid, but if a wide receiver is the target, the organization may be hesitant to leave a prospect like Jaxon Smith-Njigba for the Patriots to select at #14.
Ohio State wide receiver, Jaxon Smith-Njigba runs with the ball during a college football game. | Photo Credit: Photo Credit: John McCoy/AP
The Packers also have the 42nd and 45th overall picks in draft. Could they offer up both for the Steelers' 32nd overall and swap a couple of other picks in a potential deal? Pittsburgh could offer the 120th overall (fourth round), while Green Bay gives up the 149th selection (fifth round) in a potential second round deal. The two historic franchises could be a solid trade match in one of the first two rounds.
The Tennessee Titans, especially in the first round, should be a conversation that Khan and co. are having. With the 11th overall pick, Tennessee has an abundance of needs and would benefit from moving back in order to gain more capital. The Steelers wouldn't necessarily have to pay the premium of getting into the Top 10, but have enough to hop up six spots and draft a future franchise player.
Tennessee is less of a second round trade partner because the organization has only six total picks as of now, compared to Green Bay's 11. The Titans would be moving up in the second round versus moving back in round one. It's definitely more reasonable to add picks and move back. It should be looked at as a potential perfect situation for Pittsburgh.
Steelers General Manager, Omar Khan speaks to the media. Photo Credit: Matt Freed / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
The Steelers Have Two Prime Trade Partners In Green Bay and Tennessee
While the draft is bound to be filled with surprises, the Steelers are in uncharted territory having two second round picks including the first overall selection in that respective round. The Packers and Titans should be on speed dial due to the teams' needs and opportunity that could be presented to Pittsburgh if a draft day trade is agreed upon.
Do you think these two organizations are the best trade partners for the Steelers early on in the 2023 NFL Draft? Let us know in the comments below!
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