With the 18th, 52nd, 82nd, and other picks, the Steelers have a number of draft trade options in the 2010 Draft.  So-called Draft (Trade) Value Charts give an idea of how valuable different picks are weighted to serve as a guide for trades.  Using chart point values, we'll see what the Steelers' picks might be worth and uncover some possible trade partners.

One example is at: http://www.draftcountdown.com/features/Value-Chart.php.  But this and others like it which have circulated seem to not quite fit in with what has actually been traded the past few years by teams.  Enter one fan's attempt at a more accurate Draft Value Chart at: http://www.mockingthedraft.com/2010/4/11/1416362/2010-trade-value-chart.  I use those (hopefully more realistic) values here.

RECENT UPDATES:

• Compensatory picks were announced.
• Steelers acquire 5th rounder from NY Jets for WR Santonio Holmes
• Steelers trade 7th round pick to TB Bucs for QB Byron Leftwich

As of 18 hours before the Draft, the Steelers have the following picks (with corresponding point values from draft trade value chart):

• 1.18 (790 pts)
• 2.52 (326 pts)
• 3.82 (175 pts)
• 4.116 (72 pts)
• 5.151 (32 pts)
• 5.155 (30 pts)
• 5.164 (compensatory, non-transferable, but valued at 26.2 pts)
• 5.166 (compensatory, non-transferable, but valued at 25.4 pts)
• 6.188 (17.2 pts)
• 7.242 (compensatory, non-transferable, but valued at about 6 pts)

But now that we know "how many points" each of the picks are approximately worth, what does this mean?  What are possible trade options?  How much does it cost to move up?  What can we get for sliding back?  Based on the charts, here are some potential trades, in word form, and with corresponding (analytical) math equations.

Option A---   Trade Up in First Round:

1.18 (790) + 2.52(326) = 1116~1.9(1175)Buffalo OR 1.10(1100)Jacksonville,

A number of teams with earlier picks in the first are looking to trade back.  One of the reports on this is at:  http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=cr-inconvenienttruths041910, which they call "Inconvenient Truth #9."  Don't rule out Kansas City at #5- it has been said recently that they also are shopping their first round pick.

This Value Chart suggests moving up to 13th-ish could cost your 3rd rounder.

1.18 (790) + 3.82(175) = 965~1.13(960)San Francisco

But again, since teams are desperate to trade out of the early part of the round a better deal might be had. 

Option B---   Stand Pat in First Round:

Wait, wait, wait, wait, pick as scheduled.  Repeat, as needed.

1.18(790) = 1.18(790)

Option C---   Trade Down in First Round:

Maybe Cincinnati’s interested in sliding up 3 spots.  Moving back three spots to their 21st pick, and giving up our 4th-rounder and our 6th-rounder could garner us their 3rd-rounder.  

1.18(790) + 4.116(72) + 6.188 (17.2) = 879.2 ~ 890 = 1.21(730)Cincinnati + 3.85(160)Cincinnati …

After such a Cincinnati trade, we may want to package that new 3rd rounder with our own 3rd rounder in order to get another middle-2nd-rounder…. whereas 3.82(175)Pittsburgh + 3.85(160)via Cincinnati = 335~2.50(338)Kansas City OR 2.51(332)Houston

Steelers could trade back 5 spots to Green Bay’s 23rd pick, which much like trading with Cincinnati at the 21st, would produce an additional pick in the third third of the 3rd.

1.18(790) + 4.116(72) = 862 ~ 860 = 1.23(690)GreenBay + 3.86(155)GreenBay + 6.193(15.7)GreenBay

Steelers could trade back 7 spots to Baltimore’s 25th pick.  In addition to the swap of 1st-rounders, it’s quite possible the end result would be:  give up our 3rd and 6th and gain their 2nd and a 5th.

1.18(790) + 3.82(175) + 6.188(17.2) = 982.2~ 984.5 = 1.25(655)Baltimore + 2.57(300)Baltimore + 5.156(29.5)Baltimore

Later Round Possibilities:

Let's say someone you covet has fallen into the early 2nd and you highly doubt he’ll be there at 52.  And you’re willing to give the 52nd and 82rd picks to get there.

2.52(326) + 3.82(175) = 501~ 2.35(505)Tampa Bay OR 2.36(490)Kansas City

How about our 2nd-rounder plus our 4th-rounder to move up in the 2nd?  That might be worth the 43rd pick.

2.52(326) + 4.116(72) = 398 ~ 2.43(400)Denver OR 2.44(390)New England

What about the 82nd in the 3rd plus the 116th in the 4th?  That may be worth the 67th pick.. 

3.82(175) + 4.116(72) = 247 ~ 3.67(250)Tampa Bay OR 3.68(245)Kansas City

So, there you have it.... I hope this shows you what we're workin' with in this draft.