Steelers fans must avoid a common mistake regarding NFL Draft order
The Pittsburgh Steelers will be making two picks in the Top 32 selections of the 2023 NFL Draft, barring any trade. That is a result of the Steelers landing the Chicago Bears' second-round pick in the Chase Claypool trade and of the Miami Dolphins being forced to forfeit their first-round selection following the NFL's investigation […]
The Pittsburgh Steelers will be making two picks in the Top 32 selections of the 2023 NFL Draft, barring any trade.
That is a result of the Steelers landing the Chicago Bears' second-round pick in the Chase Claypool trade and of the Miami Dolphins being forced to forfeit their first-round selection following the NFL's investigation of the franchise last year.
It's important to note that the league won't count the Dolphins' original turn as part of the Draft order and every subsequent pick will be moved up one spot.
In other words, instead of the Steelers owning the 33rd overall pick, they'll have the 32nd.
That has led many to make comments like "Pittsburgh will basically have two first-rounders!"
But no, they really won't. There's a big difference between that and having two first-round picks. And I don't mean the day and time it will be announced by Roger Goodell.
No, in fact, there's a more tangible difference that implicates one of the biggest advantages of owning a first-round pick in the first place.
Do you know how every year, many teams are interested in trading up into the late first round to grab the 31st or 32nd picks? Well, it's not a coincidence.
Teams that make those small jumps from early in the second round to late in the first aren't necessarily seeking to jump one team or another for a particular prospect.
They're seeking something else: The fifth-year option.
It's one of the most useful tools for NFL teams but it only exists in the contracts of players who were drafted in the first round. Essentially, it's an option to extend the standard four-year deal for drafted rookies by one year for a league-wide predetermined price. Teams must exercise the option prior to the player's fourth season under contract.
The Steelers will have that at their disposal for whoever they pick with the 17th overall pick but not with the 32nd one. Despite the fact that it sounds like a first-rounder, they'll lose out on that benefit.
Featured image via Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports
