NFL writer proposes Steelers trade for former first-rounder
If the season ended today, the Pittsburgh Steelers would officially be a Top 3 team in the 2023 NFL Draft order. That's right, the start to the season has been so rough through five weeks that they currently hold the #3 overall pick. I don't bring that up to ruin your day, I promise. No, […]
If the season ended today, the Pittsburgh Steelers would officially be a Top 3 team in the 2023 NFL Draft order. That's right, the start to the season has been so rough through five weeks that they currently hold the #3 overall pick.
I don't bring that up to ruin your day, I promise. No, I do it to point out what should be an obvious fact. The Steelers are in rebuild mode in 2022. As such, they should be interested in being buyers at the trade deadline only if it's for long-term benefit.
And The Athletic's Bo Wulf actually has a pretty good idea. Trading for a former first-rounder offensive lineman. The Philadelphia Eagles-based writer put together a power rankings list that featured trade ideas for every NFL team.
For the Steelers, he suggested trading for offensive tackle Andre Dillard. Here's part of what Wulf wrote in the article:
"Protecting Kenny Pickett needs to be their top priority. Pickett has been preternaturally decisive for a rookie in his first two games, and his willingness to stand in the pocket before taking a big hit is admirable, but they might need to save him from himself. Dillard, the Eagles’ first-round pick in 2019, is set to return soon from a forearm injury and would provide competent play at the position."
Make no mistake about it, Dillard isn't one of those players that carry the label "former first-round pick" because he didn't fulfill expectations. After spending the 2020 season on injured reserve, Dillard had to battle with Jordan Mailata for the starting job at left tackle.
Mailata has been quite the find for the Eagles and though he beat out Dillard, the latter remains a starting-caliber tackle with upside. After all, this is only his fourth year in the NFL.
While the Steelers offensive line has exceeded expectations, having a surefire left tackle would go a long way to develop their young quarterback. That goes for Pickett OR a hypothetical first-round quarterback if they decide to go that route next offseason.
Finding an offensive tackle for the future ahead of schedule would be huge for a Pittsburgh team that has needs across the board.
Featured image via David Dermer-USA TODAY Sports
