Home 2015 NFL Draft Analyzing the Steelers Trade Down Possibilities in the First Round

Analyzing the Steelers Trade Down Possibilities in the First Round

by Steeldad

I suppose I subscribe to the Jimmy Johnson school of the NFL Draft because I love collecting as many picks in a particular draft as I possibly can. Unfortunately, the Pittsburgh Steelers have never been known to trade down when it comes to drafts in recent years.

Trading up? Yes, they’ve been apt to do that but I’m holding out hope that if the right player isn’t there for them at pick number 22 then I really wish they would trade down. If they aren’t in love with a guy then by all means don’t take one.

Who are the teams behind the Steelers that could possibly make an offer to move up? I have more than a couple of scenarios in mind.

The Running Back Sweepstakes – Consensus has it that there are two top running backs in this draft, Todd Gurley and Melvin Gordon. I think Gurley goes higher than expected which means running back-desperate teams will want Gordon.

Among those possible suitors are Detroit (23), Arizona (24), Baltimore (26), Dallas (27) and Indianapolis (29).

I think the strongest arguments here are the Cardinals and the Cowboys. If a deal gets done to move Adrian Peterson to Dallas prior to the Draft as some are surmising, then things would obviously change.

I don’t see the Ravens moving up to 22 simply because I can’t see them helping their arch-rivals by giving them more selections.

Don’t rule out teams at the top of the second round either like Tampa Bay, Oakland or Jacksonville.

The Sapp Effect – All I keep hearing is that there is more trouble coming with Nebraska edge rusher Randy Gregory. He’s already tested positive for marijuana at the NFL Combine and admitted quite openly that he likes to use it.

But… I’m still hearing rumblings that this might just be the tip of the ice berg. The problem is that many teams have Gregory rated as their top one or two pass rusher in this draft. Much like former Buccaneer and Raider Warren Sapp, the marijuana issue may drive him down draft boards.

I’m told the Steelers like Gregory but I can’t see them pulling the trigger on him considering his baggage and “potential” baggage. Therefore, will a team seeking a pass rusher jump up to grab him?

In this scenario, teams like Arizona (24), Dallas (27), New Orleans (31) and perhaps the Patriots (32) would make a play for him. Gregory is thought to be a game-changing type of pass rusher but is his worth the risk?

The same thing was said about Sapp who went on to a Hall of Fame career despite his bonehead moves off the field.

Wide, Wide World of Wideouts – It’s no secret how teams build these days; CB, Pass Rusher, Back-Side Tackle and QB but the position that is making a claim to this group is wide receiver. This draft has a lot of depth at the wideout position but there are a handful of very explosive guys who could be there at 22.

Teams behind the Steelers might not be able to wait until it’s their turn to pick though. Let’s assume that both Amari Cooper and Kevin White are gone as expected, that leaves DeVante Parker, Breshard Perriman and Dorial Green-Beckham.

Teams like Arizona (24), Carolina (25), Baltimore (26), Denver (28), New Orleans (31) and New England (32) could all be very interested in adding one of those three or perhaps Jaelen Strong as well.

You’ve certainly seen enough mock drafts by now to know that there is no consensus on who the Steelers will select in round one which is why moving down seems even more logical to me.

That’s the problem though now isn’t it? The Steelers might be in love with someone and we just don’t see it.

 

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2 comments

Rob Henderson April 28, 2015 - 1:31 am

New Orleans gives at 31 gives the Steelers a lower 3rd round pick and I think New Orleans will want Max Williams.

Rob Henderson April 28, 2015 - 1:32 am

New Orleans has #74 & #78 in the 3rd

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