Steelers Already Have 1 Interested Party In Trading For Pittsburgh's First-Round Pick

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been unpredictable since General Manager Omar Khan took over in May of 2022. His predecessor in Kevin Colbert was very traditional and basic, but the new front office has proven that aggressiveness is now completely in play at all times. The 2024 NFL Draft will commence in less than a week, and no one is quite sure what Khan will do with the 20th overall pick. In his first full draft, he traded up three spots in round one to select Broderick Jones 14th overall. Everything is on the table once Thursday rolls around and the "Khan Artist" is on the clock.

It's unlikely that the Steelers will trade up once again, unless one of the top three receivers falls out of the top 10 or one of their favorite offensive tackles is hovering around the picks in the late teens. With the amount of needs that Pittsburgh has, it's more reasonable to either expect a trade back in round one or move up in the second.

It appears as if the front offices around the league are hinting at the fact that Khan will be open for business. Tampa Bay Buccaneers General Manager Jason Licht spoke to the media recently and deliberately mentioned the Steelers' 20th overall pick. He didn't say the organization by name, but it appears he will be keeping a close eye on what Pittsburgh is looking at in the first round.

"I'd say around pick 20, we'll know if we want to start attempting to move up or not," Licht said.

Everything in the NFL is calculated. Sure, 20 is a nice and flat number, but the Buccaneers currently hold the 26th overall pick. He seems to be genuinely hinting at the fact that Tampa Bay will be interested in moving up six spots if need be. The current needs for the franchise include help in the edge department, but a center is also in play. That could lead to Khan being hesitant if he thinks Graham Barton or Jackson Powers-Johnson is Licht's target.

The most important part of Licht's comments is that he and his team seem to want to evaluate a trade-up right when the Steelers' clock starts. Khan will be a busy man and depending on how some players fall, Pittsburgh front office could be in for a wild couple of minutes on Thursday evening. Edge rusher Demeiuon "Chop" Robinson is a name to keep an eye on. The Steelers aren't needing a top pass-rusher, which could lead to teams wanting 20th overall for someone like Robinson.

Licht expanded on how he feels about the upcoming draft. It appears as if he values the current draft capital that the Buccaneers have, but won't rule anything out due to his belief in his crew.

"I would say right now, I like the thought of the way I really have a lot of trust in my staff – both the coaching staff and the scouting staff – and how we've been operating. Those picks seem pretty important to me, right now."

The selections to pay attention to are the two in the third round for Tampa Bay. Moving up six spots to trade with Khan and the Steelers could cost a bit more, but one of the Buccaneers' two third-round picks should be a target. Pittsburgh could have the ammunition to select at 26th, instead of 20th, and still trade up in round two, depending on who is available/falling.

Steelers Plethora Of Needs Could Mean Aggressive Draft Strategy

Whether it be the offensive and defensive lines, wide receiver or cornerback, Pittsburgh has plenty of address during the 2024 NFL Draft. No one is quite sure what the plan is For Khan and co., but fans just got their first team to truly watch out for when it comes to a Thursday evening trade. It will be an exciting weekend, and Khan could start it out with another unexpected deal.

Do you think the Buccaneers are a good trade partner for the Steelers? Let us know in the comments below!

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