{"id":592918,"date":"2026-04-09T17:19:16","date_gmt":"2026-04-09T17:19:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/592918\/"},"modified":"2026-04-09T17:19:16","modified_gmt":"2026-04-09T17:19:16","slug":"steelers-could-take-major-advantage-of-nfl-draft-trades","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/592918\/","title":{"rendered":"Steelers Could Take Major Advantage of NFL Draft Trades"},"content":{"rendered":"

With 12 picks in the 2026 NFL Draft<\/a>, the Pittsburgh Steelers<\/a> are in prime position to potentially move up in the first round and grab one of the top players in the class. <\/p>\n

Per a report from NFL insider Jordan Schultz, this year’s draft is expected to feature a wave of trades, particularly in the first half of the first round, while teams also look to pick up extra Day 2 and early Day 3 selections. <\/p>\n

The expectation among many NFL teams is that the 2026 draft will be one of the more trade-heavy drafts in recent memory, according to multiple league sources. <\/p>\n

Specifically, on the defensive side of the ball \u2014 EDGE, CB and LB are all strong\/deep \u2014 while WR is typically\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/NhNQJiM91T<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) April 8, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

Because the Steelers<\/a> are flush with picks, including four on Day 2 and three between the fourth and fifth rounds, they have the necessary capital to slide up for a prospect that ranks high on their big board if the proper opportunity arises. <\/p>\n

What Could a Potential First-Round Trade-Up Look Like?<\/p>\n

In terms of identifying a range in which Pittsburgh<\/a> could pounce and make its move, the earliest it would occur would likely be around the No. 11-13 range.<\/p>\n

As a hypothetical, if the Steelers<\/a> were to trade up with the Los Angeles Rams at No. 13, they’d likely have to part with a package consisting of picks No. 21, No. 76 and No. 99. <\/p>\n

If Pittsburgh wants to keep as many Day 2 selections as possible, however, perhaps swapping out No. 99 for No. 121 and No. 161 or something along those lines would also be enough to push a deal past the finish line. <\/p>\n

Should the Steelers look to make a smaller rise up the board to the No. 16 – 18 range, they could potentially get away with accomplishing that goal by just parting ways with just No. 21 and No. 85, or No. 21, No. 99 and a Day 3 pick.<\/p>\n

\"Southern<\/p>\n

Nov 29, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans wide receiver Makai Lemon (6) celebrates after catching a 32-yard touchdown pass against the UCLA Bruins in the second half at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

Who Could Steelers Target if They Move Up?<\/p>\n

Two Ohio State prospects in wide receiver Carnell Tate and safety Caleb Downs would make a ton of sense for the Steelers, though the former feels like a near lock to go within the top-eight picks or so. <\/p>\n

Downs could be taken in that range too, but there’s a possibility that he’ll remain available into the No. 10-12 range, where Pittsburgh could take advantage if it’s comfortable with the price due to its treasure trove of picks.<\/p>\n

USC wide receiver Makai Lemon, whom the Steelers brought in for a top-30 visit, is another name to keep tabs on given that he’s expected to go in the mid-teens or so, and an offensive linemen such as Utah’s Spencer Fano or Penn State’s Olaivavega Ioane<\/a> are potential fits in that range too if the organization wants to upgrade in the trenches.<\/p>\n

Make sure to bookmark Steelers On SI<\/a>,<\/a>and find out podcast All Steelers Talk on YouTube<\/a>or anywhere you listen!<\/a><\/p>\n