The Pittsburgh Steelers couldn't have asked for a better first round in the 2023 NFL Draft. The organization found a way jump the New York Jets in a trade with the New England Patriots to select offensive lineman, Broderick Jones. The future of the left tackle position may be solidified for the franchise and young quarterback, Kenny Pickett for a long time.
University of Georgia offensive lineman, Broderick Jones was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft with the 14th overall pick. | Photo Credit: Joe Robbins / Icon Sportswire / Getty Images.
Jones wasn't the only good thing that happened in the first round for Pittsburgh. University of Kentucky quarterback, Will Levis fell all the way out of the first round when many had him as a Top 10 pick. With the first pick in the second round belonging to the Steelers, the phones are sure to be ringing with teams wanting to move up. Teams already were reportedly calling the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs for #30 and #31.
Teams were trying to talk to the #Chiefs at 31 as well but KC wanted to make that pick. So perhaps some movement on deck for the top of the second round. https://t.co/rDt6NxwWhZ
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) April 28, 2023
University of Tennessee signal-caller, Hendon Hooker remains available as well in terms of quarterbacks, but two other prospects who dropped could lead to Pittsburgh wanting to hold on to the pick. Cornerback, Joey Porter Jr. and safety, Brian Branch are two players the team could and should have significant interest in.
Alabama's Brian Branch lines up as he creeps towards the line of scrimmage during a college football game for the University of Alabama. | Photo Credit: AP Photo / Vasha Hunt
The Steelers gave up the 120th overall pick (fourth round) to get ahead of New York for Jones, so as it stands, Pittsburgh won't pick after the 80th overall selection (third round) until pick #241. It's hard to imagine General Manager Omar Khan enjoying the thought of that scenario playing out. Here are the best trade partners for the 32nd overall pick:
1.) The Detroit Lions
The Lions certainly surprised in the first round with the selections of a running back (Jahmyr Gibbs) and second round-graded linebacker (Jack Campbell). The franchise also did research on the quarterbacks in this class over the pre-draft process. Levis, however, did not meet with the team privately. Instead, Hooker did.
Detroit would only be moving up two spots from #34 to grab him and we know the Arizona Cardinals aren't taking him at #33, so why would they potentially offer #34 and a fourth rounder instead of just waiting? The run on the two quarterbacks may be already kicking into high gear. If Khan works his magic, he'll have several teams on the phone and the ability to name his price. Detroit won't miss out on a guy they love.
2.) Las Vegas Raiders
Las Vegas might be the best trade partner out there for Pittsburgh. The Raiders had pre-draft visits with both Levis and Hooker. They took one of the best prospects in the draft with the seventh overall pick: Tyree Wilson. Las Vegas has the 38th overall pick as well as two third-rounders and three fifths. Talk about some draft capital.
University of Texas Tech defensive lineman, Tyree Wilson rushes the passer. | Photo Credit: John E. Moore III / Getty Images
The Raiders have enough to move up, but do the Steelers trust them to go quarterback? Las Vegas met with both Porter Jr. and Branch pre-draft. The top two corners were consistently mocked to Las Vegas in the first round throughout the offseason. Overall, a potential trade might send Pittsburgh's #32 as well as one of the seventh round picks for Vegas' #38, #100 (third round) and #204 (sixth round).
3.) The Seattle Seahawks
This is where things get interesting. Seattle made a surprising first round pick, taking cornerback, Devon Witherspoon fifth overall, but quarterback, Geno Smith's contract extension is only for three years and the team could be looking for someone who can slowly be molded into the future at the position.
The organization didn't have any official meetings with Levis, but attended his Pro Day. Pittsburgh could offer up #32 in exchange for the Seahawks' #37 as well as a fourth-rounder (pick #123), but that might not be enough for Khan. In this scenario, though, the Steelers essentially recoup the fourth-round pick they dealt to the Patriots and only have to move back five spots in the beginning of the second round.
Steelers General Manager, Omar Khan. | Photo Credit: Charles LeClaire / USA TODAY Sports
Steelers Should Only Move Back For A Quarterback-Hunting Team
It's not like the teams will call Khan and tell them which guy they want at the top of the second round, but it shouldn't be hard to connect the dots. Teams wanting to come up for Porter Jr. or Branch shouldn't even bother picking up the phone. Pittsburgh will stay put if they get the sense that someone is trying to take one of the top secondary pieces on their big board.
Which team do you think is the best trade partner for the Steelers at #32? Should the franchise just stay there and not move back? Let us know in the comments below!
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