Predicting what’ll occur within the NFL draft is anybody’s guess. Attempting to determine which trades will (and received’t) occur is even tougher. One shock choice throws out each mock draft, each projection, every little thing we *suppose* we all know. However primarily based on the present panorama, the percentages appear low Omar Khan could have a repeat efficiency in 2024, after buying and selling up within the first spherical to take Georgia OT Broderick Jones final 12 months. There isn’t a prime participant at a place of scarce depth that can compel this crew to make that form of transfer.
However come Spherical 2? That’s the place Khan would possibly make his transfer.
As deep as positions like extensive receiver, offensive sort out, and heart are, that depth solely lasts so lengthy. Any worth that exists after Spherical 1 will probably be acknowledged leaguewide and certain create a run on the place. Groups making an attempt to seize the highest expertise left earlier than it’s gone. The Steelers are sitting in the course of the second spherical, 51st general, and the pickings may very well be slim in the event that they cling round and wait.
Let’s say they move on heart at No. 20. Wouldn’t be the worst factor to do. Facilities fall decrease than their projection. However banking on one, say West Virginia’s Zach Frazier, slipping to No. 51 is a bet. If he “falls” and will get snagged at say, No. 47, then the autumn doesn’t do something for Pittsburgh besides enhance the heartbreak. And if the highest three choices are off the board, Graham Barton, Jackson Powers-Johnson, and Frazier, Pittsburgh’s in big-time bother.
It might make sense for Khan to draft, for instance, an offensive sort out within the first spherical, after which climb 10 spots within the second spherical to seize his heart. There’s a price, literal and figurative, however he solely gave up a fourth-round choice to maneuver from 17 to 14 final 12 months, an environment friendly and sensible deal. Typical commerce charts recommend giving up a 3rd rounder however possibly Khan can work out the identical phrases this 12 months. It hurts the Steelers’ capacity to deal with all their wants, of which there are numerous, but it surely’s higher than determining no matter “Plan B” is at heart.
Receiver may very well be argued the identical. One of many deepest positions in draft historical past, there will probably be expertise that falls into the early second spherical. However what number of will probably be there by No. 51? We’ve already heard buzz on Florida Ricky Pearsall being drafted sooner than anticipated, one of many Steelers’ prime targets. If Pittsburgh is dialed in on one receiver, it might make a transfer for an additional place of want. Offensive sort out appears much less probably, the crew hasn’t explored most of the Day 2 names, however that shouldn’t be dominated out both. These names positively received’t final lengthy and if expertise will get pushed down, there will probably be an early Friday run.
Groups don’t know whether or not or to not make a commerce till they’re within the second. Till the draft has begun, the board begins forming, and you’ll weigh gives despatched and acquired. However final 12 months, we famous the trail of the crew buying and selling up solely in a single state of affairs, making a transfer at offensive sort out for Paris Johnson or Broderick Jones. That structure proved true. If there’s a time to name a shot for this 12 months’s draft, it’s Spherical 2.
