Steelers Draft: Predicting most-likely routes for pick 32 in the NFL Draft

Suppose the Steelers get the player they want in the first round -- even if they must trade up. Assuming they manage to keep the 32nd pick in such a trade, who could they get at 32? Pittsburgh's options for this selection are primarily determined by who they can get with their first selection. Will it be an offensive tackle or a cornerback?

Once they make their first selection, all Steelers fans will wait with bated breath to see who they select with the opening pick of the second round. If they manage to keep this pick, it’s crucial to the Steelers because it’s a first-round pick minus the 5th year option. So what potential options might fall to them at the 32nd selection?

If the Steelers take a cornerback in Round 1:

If the Steelers take a cornerback with their first selection, they will want to get good value with their second selection. They would like to see what offensive line options are left open to them. Depending on those options, they will look at available edge rushers, defensive linemen, or linebackers.

Depending on how the Steelers rank them on their draft board, they may have some options with a few hidden gems in the offensive linemen department. Potential remaining offensive linemen could be

Dawand Jones OT, Ohio State

Here is a big guy who blocks out the sun wherever he goes. The downside is that he’s not ranked as highly as other offensive tackles. Still, he could have a great career in the NFL. If the Steelers take a corner back first, Jones could be the guy at 32.

Anton Harrison, OT, Oklahoma

Harrison is a marginal first-round guy; thus, his chances of being available at the start of the 2nd  round are not as good. If he is, they are getting excellent value with their 32nd selection. Especially since he is in the top five tackle prospects, depending on what analyst you talk to. If they can get him on with the first pick in the 2nd round, he can still help the offensive line considerably.

Cody Mauch, OT, North Dakota State

In fairness, he might be a marginal selection at 32, but he has excellent athletic talent. Although listed as a tackle, most think he is better suited as a guard in the NFL. Nevertheless, he is one of the few linemen who can play any position on the offensive line. That ability alone adds depth to the offensive line in that, with injuries, he is highly versatile and can move around as needed to help the Steelers out.