The Steelers have the 20th pick in the first round of tonight’s NFL Draft, at least for now. They could trade up or down in the draft order as they look for help at tackle, center, wide receiver, and cornerback. Defensive lineman Cam Heyward and tight end Pat Freiermuth will announce the Steelers’ first two picks of the draft in Detroit.
Coach Mike Tomlin said earlier this week he’s ready for the three-day draft process.
Tomlin says the draft process is important not just for the guys the Steelers will take this week, but for knowing their opponents and maybe even adding players in future years.
NFL Network reported yesterday that the Steelers have restructured the contract of linebacker Alex Highsmith, creating about $7.2 million in salary cap space. That fuels speculation that they are working on a trade, with the most prominent name mentioned being 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk.
ESPN reports the Steelers will not pick up the $25 million fifth year option on quarterback Justin Fields. General manager Omar Khan said this week that they will address that after the draft. They have until next Thursday to make their decision.
Round one of the draft may feature quarterbacks chosen with the first four picks. The Bears are expected to take USC’s Caleb Williams. Then the Commanders will reportedly take LSU’s Jayden Daniels. The Patriots could take North Carolina’s Drake Maye, although the Vikings could trade up into that slot, and Michigan’s JJ McCarthy could go next, at number four, to the Cardinals.
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