Steelers' Most Likely Trade-Up Partner In First Round Of 2024 NFL Draft Lies Down South While AFC North Rival Sweats

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been subject to rumors ever since General Manager Omar Khan took over in the 2022 offseason. He has not been boring during his time as the head of the front office, and fans can expect that to continue. No matter how many times someone is going to guess what Khan and co. will do before, or during, the beginning of the 2024 NFL Draft on Thursday, it's bound to be exciting. Rumors began heating up again on Tuesday when it was reported that the Denver Broncos could be a legitimate trade partner if the Steelers want to move up to the 12th overall pick.

The report of Pittsburgh moving up came from Tony Pauline, and he was quite sure that such a transaction would lead to the Steelers drafting Toledo cornerback Quinyon Mitchell. Fans might have nightmares of trading up several spots to get a Broncos pick, however. It happened in 2019 when tons of draft capital was given away to select future bust, Devin Bush.

With the plethora of needs that the Steelers have, going up to number 12 probably doesn't make sense, unless there are other pieces that sweeten the deal for both parties. Instead, it would be a strategical and intelligent move by Khan to move up just a few spots as he did in 2023. The New England Patriots traded Pittsburgh the 14th overall pick, and Khan swiped away Broderick Jones from the Patriots' rival in the New York Jets.

This time around, it would be advantageous for the Steelers to get to the 17th overall selection. Both Pittsburgh and the Cincinnati Bengals are in dire need of help on the offensive line. It's an incredibly deep tackle class, but both teams have showed significant interest in Amarius Mims, Taliese Fuaga and Troy Fautanu. Mims will likely be available at 20, but if one of the other two falls, the Steelers could absolutely look to leapfrog the Bengals and steal the desired prospect from under them.

Currently, the Jacksonville Jaguars hold the 17th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Jacksonville and General Manager Trent Baalke aren't desperate for an offensive tackle, which could lead them to trade back a few spots in order to gain some more draft capital. It wouldn't cost Pittsburgh too much, where as, moving up to 12th overall would come with a hefty price tag.

This wouldn't just be about getting the tackle prospect of Khan's choice, but strategically taking one away from a division rival that has had problems protecting their franchise quarterback in recent years. Both Fuaga and Fautanu both being available after the 15th pick isn't reasonable, but given the expected early rush on quarterbacks and wide receivers, one of the two large linemen could slip down the board.

The Steelers exchanged first-round picks with New England in 2023 while also giving away a fourth-rounder to snag Jones. With two third-round selections in 2024, a similar move could be in the cards if Khan wants to get ahead of the Bengals. If Cincinnati stays put, the draft room for the organization will certainly be sweating it out as one of the tackles falls down the board. Khan could swoop in quickly and crush Joe Burrow's dreams.

Steelers Have A Plethora Of Options In Round One

It goes without saying that Khan could make any move on Thursday evening. The fan base seems completely up in arms about the three possibilities of trading up, staying put or moving back. With the amount of needs on the roster, it's easy to make a case for any of those scenarios. Jumping to 12th may be irresponsible, but getting ahead of a divisional rival to grab your tackle of choice might be a diabolical and strategic move that Khan decides to pull the trigger on.