3 trade-down possibilities for Steelers in the 2022 NFL Draft
By Shayne Kubas
The Steelers are in a prime spot to move down in the draft to collect more draft capital. Here are some potential offers that could be on the table.
The Steelers find themselves in a tough spot at pick 20 in the upcoming NFL draft. They would likely have to make a significant move up the board if they want their pick of the QBs, and if they stay at 20 it’s likely most of the premium talent in this class could be off the board. With only four selections in the top 150 picks, a trade back from 20 could be a smart move to help fill out the roster.
The question then would be what teams would be looking to move up, and what the Steelers should ask for to do so. I think there are three teams, in particular, that would have the incentive to move up and get their preferred player. The first is a team looking to fill a spot left by a retired player to help keep Tom Brady upright after he announced his return.
Buccaneers trade picks 27, 93, and 133 for Steelers picks 20 and 225
This trade makes a ton of sense for the Steelers. They only move back 7 spots in the first and give up a seventh-rounder to get two extra top 150 picks. The Buccaneers would be trying to jump the Patriots in this situation to secure their replacement for the retired Ali Marpet: Boston College guard Zion Johnson.
The Buccaneers may try to give up just their 93rd pick to move up, but Pittsburgh should be asking for more to make it happen. Not only would it mean Tampa has replaced free-agent departure, Alex Cappa with Shaq Mason via trade with New England, but they would also be denying them the chance to draft a potential replacement.
The Steelers would still be in a good spot to select some very talented players who could be falling while having more flexibility to move around the draft. It also gives them some more freedom to take risks on players now that they have more picks. Unless their preferred QB or a player like Kyle Hamilton or Derek Stingley were to fall to them, trading back would be the smart move.