Besides trading for D.K. Metcalf and signing him to a monster contract, the Steelers have been boring in free agency. They remain in rumors surrounding Aaron Rodgers, and if they sign him, it will be headlining news for weeks in Pittsburgh. They added some depth pieces during free agency, but massive holes remain littered across their roster as the draft gets closer.
It has been a while since the Steelers traded back in the first round, but they could consider it. If the right offer comes their way, general manager Omar Khan would be crazy not to think about it. They are without their second-round selection resulting from the Metcalf trade. This mock draft exposes which position this organization must address.
Pittsburgh makes a splash trade as Lions are desperate to move up
Getting a trade offer during the first round would make Khan smile ear to ear. It's a hefty price to move up seven spots for the Lions, but it was worth it in this simulation. They liked a prospect enough to make an aggressive move as they take advantage of their Super Bowl window. Pittsburgh couldn't be more thrilled with this trade which gives them plenty of draft capital.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 1 (Via DET): Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan
The Steeler's biggest concern with trading back was skipping on Kenneth Grant.
Somehow, he was still available at the 28th overall selection. What a thrill it would be for Mike Tomlin and Khan to not only gain draft picks but still get their top prospect in this class. Grant can start at nose tackle on day one. He can also slide over to defensive end as he adjusts to the NFL, similar to Keeanu Benton.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 2 (Via DET): TreVeyon Henderson, RB, Ohio State
They got a second-round pick back since they were missing one after the Metcalf deal. They need a top running back on the roster and TreVeyon Henderson was sitting there for the taking. Najee Harris left in free agency and the Steelers need a game-breaker. Henderson was in a platoon role in college, so he should do well in Pittsburgh with Jaylen Warren and company.
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Steelers Mock Draft Round 3: Jaylin Noel, WR, Iowa State
They have a solid receiving core already, but you can never have enough options, especially with a question mark at quarterback. Jaylin Noel is sitting there for the Steelers in the third round and they scoop him up. He will be a slot receiver at the next level, which Pittsburgh could use. Noel and Roman Wilson will compete for snaps at training camp.
Taking Noel at this point in the mock draft is great value and adds another weapon to their offense.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 3 (Via DET): Will Howard, QB, Ohio State
The earlier trade with the Detroit Lions continues to pay off. They have some quality options at the quarterback position already, but they might need another if Rodgers doesn't sign with them. The Steelers are rumored to like Will Howard, despite a poor performance at the NFL Combine. He can be a solid contributor with good weapons around him, which the franchise has.