The Steelers head into the draft with a slew of needs, and for what feels like a few seasons, their top prospects aren’t obvious. There is a real chance a trade-up occurs, a trade back, or they could just sit on all of their picks as is. It should be one of the more unpredictable drafts for the team, which is at least exciting considering how predictable the past few seasons have been.
Not only could this team trade around with their picks, but they also have players that could feasibly be used as potential bait. It appears as though some players are firmly on the outs with the team, so flipping them for picks would be a wise idea. This allows for more holes to be filled with extra draft capital.
As well, the team could use any of these players to help them move up a few spots. While that may not seem like a lot, it is still better than what the aforementioned player is offering the Steelers in 2023. These players are clearly on the outs with the organization, so getting something for them is a huge help.
To be frank, this roster isn’t filled with a surplus of extra talent. Most of the signings that they made are to fit immediate needs, and there aren’t a lot of pedigree players that you can get a lot out of right now. That shouldn’t stop this team from trying though, as getting more shots in this draft is a must for this roster.
Here are the four Steelers that could be traded on draft night.
4. Steelers should try and get something out of Kendrick Green
Has there been a bigger draft bust in recent years than Kendrick Green? The entire process of bringing him at center despite the fact he was undersized and lacking experience there was a curious move. This was especially so when this team penciled him in to start right off the bat despite these inherent issues.
The results were as expected, as the offensive line struggled with Green at the helm and Green himself was a turnstile. His rookie season had only a few bright moments, and the majority of his tape saw him getting bullied by bigger linemen or just flat-out getting thrown to the ground.
The team tried to move Green back to guard this past season, but he was firmly beaten out by Kevin Dotson (another player the Steelers clearly aren’t high on). He failed to register a snap in year two and looks like a roster longshot as I write this today. That said, Green did have plenty of interest from other NFL teams before he was drafted and he is a plus athlete.
If one of those teams came out of the woodwork, Green could be dealt during the draft. This type of trade would be for essentially nothing, and it may not even involve picks from this draft, but it would be better than getting nothing for Green. A trade won’t be big, but if anyone offers anything for the third-round bust, the Steelers should be thrilled to accept the deal.
3. Steelers may be able to flip Tre Norwood
Tre Norwood had one of the more surprising rookie seasons for the Steelers. The former Oklahoma defensive back was taken in the seventh round with very few expectations but was dependable when called upon as a rookie. He played in the slot when injuries forced him to see action and he looked competent.
The expectation was for him to continue growing into that role as a sophomore as well as get more safety snaps, but that never happened. Despite numerous injuries to the secondary, Norwood saw his overall snaps decrease. Despite his struggles in coverage, the Steelers seemed more confident in playing Arthur Maulet on passing downs as opposed to Norwood.
While the team is still missing a slot defender, all eyes are on the draft as to who will fill that void. Assuming the team takes someone, Norwood will be without a clear role on this defense. While I would argue that Norwood has more trade value than Green, it still wouldn’t be a high pick if he were dealt.
If the Steelers attack the secondary early, they may opt to move on from Norwood for a late pick. His roster odds won’t be great at that point, and there may be teams that value having a versatile defensive back on their roster. Getting anything for a player not likely to make your roster is worth it.
2. Steelers could conditionally trade Mason Cole
Let me put on my detective hat for just a minute and try to track the moves the Steelers have made this offseason. They signed two interior linemen, one to start and one that could play center in a pinch if need be. They have also been heavily scouting some of the top center prospects in the draft, players expected to be drafted somewhere on day two and contribute early.
If the team invests in a center that early, and with Nate Herbig being a capable backup, could the Steelers try and flip Mason Cole? While not an elite player by any means, Cole did provide the team with consistent play at a position that lacked it without him. That said, he isn’t going to be the long-term center for this team.
If a significant investment is made, the Steelers may opt to move on from the veteran if the rookie can play. Cole has value for a team that needs an instant starter at center, as he would be a safe fill-in. There isn’t a great reason to keep him if the rookie can start early.
Of all the names on this list, Cole is the least likely to get dealt, as it is first contingent on the team taking a center-capable player early in the draft. Even if they do, they may keep Cole through camp in case of injury or rookie struggles. If a heavy investment is used on a center though, the team would be smart to at least shop Cole.
1. The Steelers have no use for Kevin Dotson
There have been rumors that the Steelers weren’t pleased with Dotson for a while now. From Trai Turner being signed (rumors claimed the team was interested in him before David DeCasto’s release) to his competition with Green last summer, Dotson has never been a comfortable starter for this offense.
It isn’t that hard to see why, as he has failed to take any significant steps forward since being drafted in the fourth round. Mental mistakes plague him and inconsistent play is almost expected from him. I thought he would at least be competing with a rookie given his contract received an increase this offseason due to his performance escalator, but that doesn’t seem to be the case given the aggressive spending along the interior of the line in free agency.
Dotson is a pricey third-string guard right now with a ton of starting experience. It is safe to say that, outside of Cole, he has the highest trade value on this team right now. For a desperate team, he can be a plug-and-play interior lineman, and if coached up, he can be an adequate starter on a cheap contract.
The Steelers have washed their hands of him. I doubt he makes the current roster given his contract and the depth along the interior of the line. If a needy team comes calling on draft night, the Steelers should be more than willing to move him for a mid-round pick.
While the Steelers roster isn’t flush with tradeable talent right now, they have some pieces that could be dealt. No, the team won’t trade every name on this list, but circle Dotson on draft night, as he appears to be a likely name that the team could get value from.