With the No. 20 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft now in their possession, the Pittsburgh Steelers may choose to select a different player at that position.
Pittsburgh will have alternatives when it comes to filling holes at cornerback, wide receiver, tackle, and centre. But, there are situations in which people choose to go down in the first round in order to make their own deal since they don’t like the hand they were dealt. If that’s the case, they’ll have plenty of options for dancing partners.
Lions of Detroit
This offseason, the Lions added D.J. Reader to their defensive line, and they might try to add another potent playmaker to the middle of that group. If the Steelers don’t like their options or believe they can move back and still get the player they want, they might make a trade if Illinois’ Johnny Newton is available at No. 20. In addition to the No. 61, 73, and 92 selections in the top 100, the Lions own the No. 29 pick in the first round. Detroit would win out if they made an offer of 29 and 73.
49ers of San Francisco
A selection exchange in the first round might be a component of a possible trade for Brandon Aiyuk. I could see the 49ers benefiting from moving down to No. 31 from No. 20, giving up their second round pick in this year’s draft, and giving up a third in 2025. They get to move up and select a receiver in an attempt to try to cover the void left by Aiyuk, and they also pick up an extra second-round pick. Meanwhile, the Steelers retain their first-round pick and obtain a huge difference-maker at receiver that they can lock up for the long term.
The Buffalo Bills
Regarding a possible trade for Aiyuk, the Bills are an additional team to watch. After dealing for Stefon Diggs, they are currently without any eligible boundary receivers. They might call for the Steelers to go up eight spots from No. 28 to No. 20 if they don’t make a major move and someone like Brian Thomas is available. Buffalo would make an interesting offer, though, as they do not own a third-round pick in 2024. Round two’s number sixty is up for grabs, but would they forfeit it to advance eight spots? Would selections 128 and/or 133 suffice toWin over the Steelers? Alternately, perhaps picks in the 2025 NFL Draft would work in the future. The Bills are a team to watch in any case.
