The Pittsburgh Steelers, possessing an unusually large portfolio of draft picks – currently projected at twelve – are unlikely to trade up in the upcoming NFL Draft, according to NFL Network draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah. Jeremiah, speaking on a pre-combine media call , indicated the team’s recent investment in both offensive and defensive lines, coupled with a perceived lack of elite quarterback prospects, diminishes the incentive to aggressively pursue a move up the draft order.
“I think it’s a good day-two,” Jeremiah stated, referring to the value available in the second and third rounds of the draft. “I would not anticipate the Steelers parting with those picks to move up in this draft. First of all, I think they’ve done a really good job of investing in bigs and usually you move up for quarterbacks or bigs… quarterbacks or pass rushers. Those are usually the ones you go up for, or a tackle.”
The Steelers’ accumulation of draft capital has fueled speculation about a potential attempt to secure a franchise quarterback. However, Jeremiah’s assessment suggests the team is content to address needs through a combination of selections throughout the draft, rather than sacrificing multiple picks for a single player. This strategy aligns with the Steelers’ recent draft history, which has prioritized bolstering the trenches – the offensive and defensive lines – a foundation they appear satisfied with.
The current draft class is not considered particularly strong at the quarterback position. While Fernando Mendoza is projected to be the first quarterback selected, potentially by the Las Vegas Raiders, Jeremiah’s comments suggest there isn’t a clear consensus on a second-tier of quarterbacks worthy of a significant investment of draft assets. This lack of a compelling quarterback prospect further supports the Steelers’ likely decision to remain patient.
Instead of trading up, Jeremiah believes the Steelers will focus on addressing perimeter positions – wide receiver and cornerback – with their draft selections. “The perimeter needs that they have. wide receiver, there’ll be good options for them. If they want to go in the corner department, there’s gonna be ways they can go there as well, or anywhere in the secondary. So, safety could be in the mix as well,” he explained. This suggests a strategy of adding playmakers to complement the existing foundation built through previous drafts.
Jeremiah also raised the possibility of the Steelers trading down, rather than up, to accumulate even more draft assets for or . “If anything, just because of the uncertainty of the quarterback position going off into the future, I would think that they’d be more likely to put that car in reverse than to go forward just to get some extra assets, either this year or next year.” This approach would allow the Steelers to further strengthen their roster depth and potentially position themselves for a more favorable draft position in , when the quarterback landscape may be more appealing.
The Steelers’ general manager, Omar Khan, faces a strategic dilemma. While the team has amassed a considerable number of picks, effectively managing those assets is crucial. The team could also explore the trade market for a veteran quarterback, potentially Kyler Murray or Tua Tagovailoa, as suggested by other analysts. Trading a third-round pick for a proven veteran could provide a short-term solution at quarterback while allowing the team to continue developing younger players.
However, acquiring a veteran quarterback carries its own risks, including the potential for an aging roster and the possibility of the player’s performance declining. The Steelers must carefully weigh the benefits of immediate improvement against the long-term implications of adding an older player to the mix.
The decision facing the Steelers is not simply about finding a quarterback; it’s about maximizing the value of their draft capital and building a sustainable contender. Jeremiah’s analysis suggests a pragmatic approach – one that prioritizes value and flexibility over a potentially costly and ultimately unproductive pursuit of a top quarterback in a relatively weak draft class. The team’s willingness to consider trading down or acquiring a veteran signals a recognition of the challenges and opportunities presented by their unique position in the upcoming draft.
The Steelers’ strategy will be closely watched by other teams in the league, as their approach could influence the overall dynamics of the draft. A decision to remain patient and focus on building through the draft could set a precedent for other teams with similar stockpiles of picks, potentially leading to a more measured and strategic draft process overall.
