It is uncommon for the Pittsburgh Steelers to trade back in the first round of the NFL draft. We know Steelers general manager Omar Khan has not been one to follow traditional moves during his tenure. Never dismiss any possibility, even if it's not considered "the Steelers way." Khan lost his second-round pick in the D.K. Metcalf trade, so a move back to regain draft capital could happen.
Pittsburgh is in the middle of their pre-draft process. The Steelers have added new faces through free agency, and they're still waiting for Aaron Rodgers's decision. Holes still litter their roster at prime positions going into next season. The upcoming draft will directly affect the organization's immediate future. If they're not careful, they could suffer a losing campaign.
Khan must deliver a terrific start to the draft, much like this mock draft displays.
Steelers use massive draft day trade to swing fantastic crop of rookies
Khan gets a call on night one of the draft and is wrestling with the idea of not having a second-round choice. The Chicago Bears are willing to trade up to land a prospect they like. Since the defensive line and running back crops are strong, Khan is willing to gamble. He moves back 20 picks and gains extra third and fifth-round selections this year. That's quite a haul of picks for a step back.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 2 (Via Chicago): Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina
If you pay attention to the Steelers pre-draft process, you know they will take a running back, defensive lineman, and wide receiver at some point. Omarion Hampton was available when Pittsburgh's pick arrived in this mock draft. He is a running back prospect with breakaway speed and someone who can be the top rusher on Arthur Smith's offense.
Hampton has received tons of pre-draft interest from the Steelers and appears high on their board. If they sign Rodgers as their quarterback, they need as many weapons around him as possible. This North Carolina product is still very young. His best days are in front of him, and he could be something special with proper development.
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Steelers Mock Draft Round 3 (Via Chicago): T.J. Sanders, DT, South Carolina
An early third-round pick from the earlier trade makes Khan look like a genius here. T.J. Sanders is just sitting there with this selection. The Steelers would be over the moon with this pick. He fits the mold of the kind of defensive lineman they want. They want a big guy who can continue to improve while he plays. Pittsburgh would need Sanders to help on day one.
The South Carolina product will only be 22 when his rookie season starts. His youth and high ceiling only make this selection more enticing. Sanders has shown constant disruption in the backfield throughout his past two campaigns. He must get better late in games, as he can fall off. His defense against the run could also use some refinement going into the NFL.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 3: Isaiah Bond, WR, Texas
Khan already took a running back and defensive lineman in this mock draft, so he closes it by taking a wide receiver. Metcalf and George Pickens make a great one-two punch for the Steelers offense, but who knows how long that'll last. Pickens is a free agent after this season, so Pittsburgh needs some backup plans. That is why they are excited about Isaiah Bond falling into their lap.
The explosive receiver might not have broken records at the NFL Combine, but he did produce a quality workout. We know the Steelers were present during his Pro Day, which is another strong sign of their interest. Bond could help replace Pickens's explosiveness on offense if he does walk away after this upcoming campaign. Bond can also help make plays downfield as a rookie.