The Pittsburgh Steelers are entering uncharted waters when it comes to the 2023 NFL Draft. 

For the first time in over two decades, the Draft board is being run by an unfamiliar face. Former GM Kevin Colbert is still around in an advisory role, but the "head honcho" goes by a different name for the first time. 

That man would be Omar Khan. Khan already had more free agency dealings than most Steeler fans are used to, and after his recent comments at the annual league owner's meetings, there may be a change in draft ideology as well. 

"This is a really good draft and I am fortunate this is my first draft,” Khan said. “I love the idea of having a lot of picks, but all options are on the table. If there is an opportunity to trade up to get a player, an impact player that can help us right away or be a longtime Steeler we are going to evaluate it.”

These words may be music to the ears of some fans while triggering for others, (yea, I remember the Devin Bush trade-up) but this is the type of mentality all general managers should have in my opinion. 

Khan knows there's a good chance that the tackles or corner's they like the most are gone by 17. 

And the worst place you can be on a draft board is in the middle of the first round. Oftentimes, the true first-round talents have been selected, yet you are not far enough back to trade down or into the second round. 

Khan was hesitant to give too much information on draft strategy, however, keeping things closer to the vest when asked about the balance between having picks and trading up. 

“You will have to ask me that on April 27 when we are there,” Khan said. “Every Steeler decision we will get the right people in the room and we will talk through it and make the right pick for us. We have already had discussions in our meetings, and I look at discussions as good because it helps you make the right decision. It is almost a daily conversation with that group.”

It was important to note the group effort that is going on here. While the buck stops with Khan, former Eagles executive and now assistant GM Andy Weidl has already left his mark on free agency, surely helping the team land former Philadelphia offensive lineman, Isaac Seumalo. 

Weidl and Mike Tomlin will have a strong influence throughout the process, and all the way into Saturday and beyond of draft weekend.  

And just because Khan is running his first draft, don't think he's overwhelmed or too focused on only Pittsburgh. 

“We will be working hard to try to identify other teams’ needs and trying to figure out what they are doing,” Khan said. “It is our advantage to do that. We will be paying attention.” 

A changing of the guard has occurred in Pittsburgh, will Khan's first impression be a lasting one?

Tune in on April 27th.