The upcoming NFL draft could be a light one for the Pittsburgh Steelers, as they hold just six picks. Their general manager, Omar Khan, must be careful navigating the event. This mock draft shows a perfect blueprint for how Khan can operate. Maybe they won't move in the first round, but they could still get some draft picks in return with other trade avenues.
Having D.K. Metcalf on the roster is magnificent, but the Steelers will struggle without a second-round pick in this draft. They must find a way to gain an extra pick on day two or sometime in the middle rounds. Only making six selections in the draft will create trouble. The front office has too many holes on the roster to count on just six rookies to fix their issues.
Khan must be creative with how he navigates the draft board.
Pittsburgh Steelers add key pieces in trade-filled 5-round mock draft
Steelers Mock Draft Round 1: Matthew Golden, WR, Texas
Night one of the mock draft starts, and the Steelers get multiple offers for their top pick. They stick to their historic streak of not trading down in the first round. Mike Tomlin and Khan weren't at Matthew Golden's pro day, but they did bring him in for a pre-draft visit. They like the explosive receiver, and he makes perfect sense for Pittsburgh.
George Pickens and Calvin Austin III are pending free agents after this year, so the Steelers need a plan to replace those players. Adding Golden provides another explosive weapon for whoever their starting quarterback is. While he is a raw prospect out of Texas, he can play significant snaps if an injury happens and should be terrific with his ongoing progression.
READ MORE: Steelers' first-round options are becoming clearer as NFL Draft approaches
Steelers find a dance partner to gain an extra draft pick in trade
It was a long wait between the Steelers' first and third-round picks. They finally get to their selection, but they must be on the hunt for more picks. A nice offer from the Houston Texans is ultimately enough to move back. Pittsburgh gets an extra fifth-round selection in the draft and only has to slide back six spots in the third round. Khan makes an exquisite move in this scenario.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 3 (Via Texans): Joshua Farmer, DT, Florida State
Joshua Farmer's best quality is his leadership. The Steelers need players on the defensive side of the ball to show more leadership qualities. The Florida State product has proved that he can do that in college. The Steelers hope that it can translate to the next level. He produced quality numbers on a bad Seminoles team, and his best days should be ahead of him.
Farmer had a pre-draft visit to Pittsburgh, which they can only do with 30 prospects.
That exposes their interest, and this defensive tackle fits the mold of what they search for in the trenches. He is flying under the radar as the NFL draft gets closer.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 4: Tyler Shough, QB, Louisville
The Steelers took Farmer, a pre-draft visitor, and Tyler Shough shares the same honor. Rumor has it that Pittsburgh's offensive coordinator, Arthur Smith, likes his skill set. He is a veteran college player with plenty of experience under his belt. He just finished his first complete season as a starter, which is concerning since it was his seventh year of playing.
Another concern of Shough was his journeyman image during his college career. He played for three different programs during his time and only managed to start every game once, which was this past year. Shough has good tendencies and the ability to move and flick the ball downfield. He would be a nice fit in Smith's offense. Pittsburgh should get a nice developmental quarterback with Shough.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 5: Bhayshul Tuten, RB, Virginia Tech
Since Pittsburgh has two picks in the fifth round, they can answer questions on their roster. They haven't added a running back to this point of the mock, but that changes here. They pick Bhayshul Tuten from Virginia Tech. He has been an explosive player since joining the Hokies. He has remained productive no matter what type of level he has played at, but fumbling issues remain a problem.
Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell should help Pittsburgh's rushing attack get back on track, but they can't be your only options.
The Steelers need an explosive back who is the opposite of Najee Harris, and Tuten brings those qualities with his game. He would be a great compliment to their current stable of running backs. Hopefully, Tuten can develop an all-around game as he goes.
Steelers end the mock draft by trading back to gain another pick
There is no final pick to round out this mock draft simulation. Khan remains patient and willing to make a trade.
The perfect scenario presented itself, and he gained an extra sixth-round pick in the draft with this move. The Steelers needed to slide back 12 picks, but they gained another selection to use. This transaction would give Pittsburgh two more picks in the draft than they would have started with.