How the Steelers re-signing Terrell Edmunds affects their draft strategy

The Steelers new Draft Strategy

At face value, it appears Pittsburgh will target a quarterback only in the first round. They are not going into training camp with only two quarterbacks. They will not trade for Garoppolo or Mayfield and pay their exorbitant salaries. They signed Trubisky on a budget deal and can draft a quarterback and get a rookie contract and the 5th year option. The only kicker is if the Browns cut Mayfield, that could change things, yet that would be highly unlikely before draft day.

Ok, they still need a wide receiver; however, Jameson Williams is the only receiver on their shortlist. More than likely, Williams will remain on the board at least until pick eight, and even then, he’s unlikely to go until pick ten. In contrast, Malik Willis can easily go at selections 2, 6, 8, 9, 16, or 19, while Pickett has a 30% chance of being drafted as six by the Panthers alone and could easily go in any of the same picks as Willis.

So, in this case, trading up for Williams makes little sense and is a bad value unless the Steelers keep their 20th pick. Secondly, they would need to trade up to no higher than 15, thus leaving only the Eagles or Saints, and the Saints will be targeting a receiver with one of those picks.

More than likely, Pittsburgh will only have one option with their first-round pick; they are targeting a quarterback, like it or not. If they trade up, it’s to get either Willis or Pickett. If they stay at 20, they select either Ridder or Corral unless either Pickett or Willis is still on the board that late.

One thing is certain: Steelers fans will need to hold their breath as it’s shaping up to be a wild ride for Steelers fans.