Many “experts” have said the Steelers should consider trading down in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft with several needs to address.
However, general manager Omar Khan hinted Pittsburgh is not interested in doing so on Monday.
“In my opinion, you never trade away from a good player,” Khan said, via Brooke Pryor of ESPN.
Anywhere between four to six quarterbacks are projected to be taken by the time the Steelers make their first selection.
As a result, several players who would normally be off the board will likely be there for the taking. So, it’s safe to say there will be a good player still available come pick No. 20.
Khan didn’t completely rule out the possibility of trading down but added it would have to be beneficial for Pittsburgh.
“Obviously if there’s ever a scenario that makes sense for both sides, you have to look at it,” Khan added.
At this point, it feels more likely that the Steelers would trade up rather than trade down.
Last year, Pittsburgh moved up from pick No. 17 to No. 14 in the first round to draft Georgia offensive tackle Broderick Jones. Then, the team traded back on Day 2 to acquire the draft compensation it lost.
That doesn’t mean the Steelers are going to do the same thing again, but they seem to have their sights on landing an impactful player as soon as they can.
Pittsburgh is smart to keep the idea of trading down as a possibility with needs at center, wide receiver, offensive tackle and cornerback.
All those positions, outside of center, are deep in this year’s draft. So, if a team is willing to give the Steelers an additional Day 2 pick, it may be enough to entice them to move down.
While Pittsburgh is keeping all its options on the table, Khan is looking to hit another home run in his second draft as the Steelers GM.
