Fans of the Pittsburgh Steelers organization have a bad memory of the most recent aggressive draft day trade for the franchise. Back in 2019, then-general manager, Kevin Colbert traded away the team's 20th overall pick as well as a second rounder (#52) and a future third round pick to select linebacker, Devin Bush. Fast forward to 2023, his fifth-year option was not picked up and he will test free agency waters come March. There's a very small chance he is brought back for another year or more in Pittsburgh and the move to give up a ton of draft capital to take him has been heavily criticized for a couple of years now.
PITTSBURGH, PA - AUGUST 28: Devin Bush (#55) of the Pittsburgh Steelers in action during the game against the Detroit Lions at Acrisure Stadium on August 28, 2022 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. | Photo Credit: Joe Sargent / Getty Images
Almost four years later, it's fair to ponder the idea of Khan making a move from #17 if the right prospect is available just outside of the top 10. The team has several needs and losing draft capital, specifically the 49th overall pick, may not be ideal, but if the front office and coaching staff fall in love with a specific player during the draft process, it's not out of the question, with two second round picks, to try and go get him.
The threat of a division rival grabbing someone ahead of them is out of the question with the Houston Texans owning the Cleveland Browns 12th overall pick. The Baltimore Ravens and Cincinnati Bengals will both be out of the top 20 barring a trade. The Texans, in fact, may just be the perfect trade partner at #12. The organization already has a pick in the top 2 and may be willing to move back five spots from 12 to 17 for some more draft capital as they sort through a rebuilding stage.
Omar Khan is introduced as the Pittsburgh Steelers General Manager at a press conference at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Friday, May 27, 2022 in Pittsburgh, PA. Photo CreditL Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
If Pittsburgh is truly devoted to selecting an offensive tackle who can protect quarterback, Kenny Pickett the next decade, the top three in this draft class are consistently mocking anywhere between seven and 13. That is when the Steelers may want to give the Texans a call and try and slip up past some other teams who may be in the market for one of the following potential franchise offensive linemen.
1.) Peter Skoronski, Northwestern
The 6'4", 315-pounder isn't necessarily a lock to play tackle at the next level. The evaluation process over the course of the next few months will be key for teams, including Pittsburgh, when thinking about Skorosnki. Depending on what Khan is valuing more, a tackle or guard, paired with what he and the scouting department thinks about the big man's future position would help sway the decision to trade up for him if he drops.
2.) Paris Johnson Jr., Ohio State
Johnson Jr. is a guy who could potentially fall to the Steelers at #17, but don't count on it. He is solid both run and passing blocking and has played against strong defenses in the Big 10 at Ohio State. He is a massive 6'6", 310 pounds and only allowed two sacks in 2022. He has plenty of playing experience, starting the last 23 games of his collegiate career and a move up to grab him may set up Pickett for great pass protection going forward.
COLLEGE PARK, MD - NOVEMBER 19: Ohio State tackle Paris Johnson, Jr. (#77) blocks during the Ohio State Buckeyes versus Maryland Terrapins game on November 19, 2022 at Capital One Field at Maryland Stadium in College Park, MD. Photo Credit: Randy Litzinger / Icon Sportswire / Getty Images
3.) Broderick Jones, University of Georgia
Another huge body who could be worth a trade up is Jones. He is 6'4" with a strength in the pass blocking department. He allowed just two sacks his final two seasons at Georgia and out of the three, is most likely to slip down to #17. Jones joins Skoronski and Johnson Jr. as the top three offensive linemen in this year's class. He has a ton of experience at left tackle specifically and shouldn't be ignored the next few months.
This all really depends on how the Steelers' coaching staff and front office view these particular prospects and their value at #12 versus #17. There's no doubt there needs to be changes on the offensive line, but these are the only three worth using a first round pick on. The pack is light early on and if Dan Moore Jr. isn't the answer at left tackle, or Skoronski would be a perfect replacement for Kevin Dotson, it might just be worth the call down to Houston.
Do you think the Steelers could look to move up in the first round come April? Let us know in the comments below!
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