TRADE: Steelers receive picks 30 & 2023 6th rounder, Chiefs receive picks 52, 2023 2nd & 4th rounders.
1.30: Matt Corral, QB, Mississippi
The Steelers saw one of their top quarterback prospects starting to slip past the first round, but they trade back up to get him. Matt Corral could very well be in the conversation for pick 20, but the black gold couldn’t pass up on Olave earlier. They go back into the first round and keep their top pick next year and get the guy they want.
They went to his pro day and had many people on hand. Corral would fit the bill for what this team has been looking for. They want someone that has the mobility and arm strength that can help engage Matt Canada’s offense. They get that here with a young player that still has his best football ahead of him.
Not only was it important for Pittsburgh to jump ahead of the remaining quarterback-needy teams that would follow on night two, but they get another major asset. This first-round pick comes with a fifth-year option that the team would like to keep in their back pocket in the future. That extra year will allow the team to determine if this is their future of the franchise or not and get a chance to keep him for an extra year to see if he develops.
Corral has been electric during his playing days for Ole Miss. He has been able to strategically use his legs to keep the offense moving down the field. He has a solid arm and tries to stay in the pocket when it is there. He runs when he has to, not when he wants to. He will need work and time to develop an understanding of complex NFL offenses, but he will have time to figure things out.