Steelers draft pick from Bears could still be an unofficial first-rounder

The Pittsburgh Steelers traded Chase Claypool to the Chicago Bears for their second-round pick, but here’s why it could essentially act as a first-rounder. 

Just before the NFL trade deadline, the Chicago Bears forked up their second-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft to acquire Pittsburgh Steelers receiver, Chase Claypool. So far, this looks like a colossal mistake for Chicago. Claypool has done extremely little since moving to the Windy City, and they probably wish they had their pick back.

At the time of the trade, the Bears were a 3-5 football team trying to receive their 2022 season. With a young quarterback in Justin Fields, the front office was hoping that Claypool would be enough to give them a boost. It wasn’t.

Since the trade, Chicago has gone 0-8. Now this second-round pick that the Steelers acquired in the trade could be much more than we ever thought possible.

Steelers second-rounder from Bears could turn into an unofficial first

You rarely see something like this happen, but as we approach the final game of the season, the Steelers could have a second-round pick that’s actually in the position of the final pick of the first round.

The Miami Dolphins forfeited their first-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft for tampering. This means that there are only 31 picks in the first round this year. If the season ended today, the pick acquired from Chicago would give Pittsburgh the 33rd overall pick in the draft, according to Tankathon. In most years, this selection would be considered the first pick in the second round. But it could go higher.

The Houston Texans currently sit on a 2-13-1 record. They play the Indianapolis Colts in the final game of the season on Sunday. If the Texans can steam a win against the Colts in what could be a close game this week, and if the Bears expectedly lose to the Minnesota Vikings to close the season, the Steelers will own the 32nd pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.

This pick won’t technically act as a first-rounder — meaning that Pittsburgh wouldn’t be awarded the fifth-year option with the player they select and will still be considered as the first pick in the second round. However, this would essentially be like having the final pick of the first round.

Whether Pittsburgh ends up with the 32nd pick or the 33rd pick, fans everywhere should be thrilled with the amazing haul the Steelers were able to get for a struggling wide receiver. With potentially three picks inside the top 50 this year, this team will have a chance to reshape their future in the 2023 NFL Draft.