While the NFL Draft is always an unpredictable event, teams naturally come into the weekend with a plan. The Pittsburgh Steelers are no exception to this rule.
Every year, most fans can see the plans that the team has. The first round typically has a position group or two that the Steelers are honed in on. In some cases, specific players are seemingly predestined to join the team. Omar Khan’s first draft felt that way with Broderick Jones, Joey Porter, and Keeanu Benton all seemingly like a part of the plan.
Surprises do happen. JuJu Smith-Schuster comes to mind as a player with little fanfare, but he found his way to the team. Sometimes, the value of a falling player can completely change your draft plans.
That will still be the case this year.
Preemptively, I have outlined four scenarios that, if they occur, would completely uproot Pittsburgh’s plans this year. If any of these four scenarios occur, don’t be surprised to see the team scramble to adjust on the fly.
Four shocking scenarios that could alter Pittsburgh Steelers plans
Matthew Golden falls to pick 21 for Steelers
Matthew Golden was viewed as a late first-round prospect earlier in the draft process, but his electric testing matched his on-the-field dynamic play, which has propelled him to the top of this class. Admittedly, in a weaker draft, Golden could even be the first receiver off the board.
In the same breath, there are a lot of different receiver flavors to choose from, and while it seems unlikely, Golden could still be on the board in the first round. If he is, the Steelers may be forced to select him.
He is a dynamic playmaker who can win deep but also runs sharp routes underneath. This offense lacks a receiver like that, and with George Pickens likely in his final year, they could replace him a year early.
This also allows you to trade Pickens if the right offer comes in. It would completely reshape the look of the Steelers' draft if they ignore the defensive line or quarterback in the first round and take a receiver. If he lasts that long, it could lead to some wild fallout from the remainder of the draft.
Steelers trade for Sam Howell
It seems like a foregone conclusion that the Steelers will be drafting a quarterback this year. They were heavy on the scouting trail for most of the top names, and while this class is regarded as a weaker one, the need and interest carry a lot of weight as to what the team could do.
READ MORE: Steelers lock themselves into a recurring nightmare in this mock draft
The Seahawks have openly discussed trading Sam Howell, though, and that could be an even more intriguing route to take.
Howell was a fifth-round pick in 2022 for the Commanders. Known for his strong arm but mediocre mechanics, he got the chance to start in 2023. He compiled some good stats but also struggled with turnovers and sacks.
If the Steelers look elsewhere with their first pick, trading for Howell would make too much sense. You know he can play at this level, he is still young, and his compensation to get him wouldn’t be a lot, likely a late day three pick. Sign me up for that over using your third or fourth round pick on a question mark at quarterback.
An offensive lineman falls into the Steelers lap
Offensive line is not getting a lot of draft consideration from the community for the Steelers, and rightfully so. This team has invested five draft picks in linemen over the past two drafts, including both of their firsts and one of their seconds. The rebuild has been an aggressive one.
That said, the work isn’t over. The depth behind the starters is questionable, and you still have question marks at tackle and guard. The team could address either position far earlier than we expect.
While it seems unlikely that another first-round pick is used on a blocker, I think the doors open to an offensive lineman as early as day two. This seems especially likely if the team lands another day two pick, as they seem to want to do.
Now they certainly won’t reach for anyone, but if the right player falls into their laps, they could pounce. The Steelers never follow what conventional wisdom says their draft plans should be, so don’t be surprised by a mid-round lineman for the team to develop.
The Steelers get a defensive line gift in round three
A scenario I could see transpiring this year, one of the lone strengths of this otherwise mediocre draft class is the defensive line. Most of us Steelers fans, myself included, are hoping the team takes advantage of the talent in this class in the first round.
Even if they do, though, a double dip is possible early on if the right player falls. While mostly viewed as second-round picks, what if Tyleik Williams or Alfred Collins slips into the third round? Both are premier players who would be in the first-round conversation in a weaker draft class.
Even if the Steelers go defensive line in round one, double dipping would be a must if either of the aforementioned names are on the board. Both should be role players sooner rather than later, and both look like capable run-plugging starters for a defense.
Taking a player like Derrick Harmon or Kenneth Grant, plus another lineman, seems like overkill, but you should be looking to add the best talent that you can in the draft. If you get a gift like that in the third round, you can’t ignore it.