FanPost

Moving Up? True or False?

Rumors have been circulating that Tomlin wants to explore all options to move up and get Mike Pouncey if he would start to "slip." Ok, first, I can somewhat believe this is true. Pouncey is a better value and a "safer" pick in the first round than any of the CBs who will fall to us. By "value" I mean Pouncey is the BPA at the guard position. His true value will cost us a lot of draft picks to get him. Williams, Dowling, and Harris are not the best at their position, and may not have true first round talent. In fact, I believe there is a fairly significant drop between these CBs and the top 2...minus Jimmy Smith who has talent, but 0 chance of getting picked by the Steelers. Now, the Steelers could stay put and hope the NT Phil Taylor falls or grab an OT, such as Carimi. However, Taylor's stock is rising...mainly because there is a lack of true 3-4 DTs in this draft and an increase in teams using a 3-4 formation.

Now, is it possible that Tomlin is just blowing smoke? I'm sure they don't want to tip their hand, so that's not a stretch. However, if he's not, what exactly does "slip" mean?

The latest mocks have Pouncey going at #15 to the Dolphins, but he could go at #17 to New England (BOO!) or #19 to NY Giants. Reports indicate that the Steelers could trade with #20 Tampa Bay, but realistically, to get him they would need to trade with #16 Jacksonville or #18 San Diego.

So, what would constitute a "slip?" Getting past Miami? New England? or the Giants? Personally, I don't see him slipping past #19, so if the Steelers are interested in getting him, are they willing to sacrifice the rest of this draft or next year's?

I have faith in the front office, so if they are sure Pouncey is the guy, then they will set limits in terms of how much they are willing to give up to get him.

In a nutshell, the Steelers must address OL, DL, and especially DB in this offseason, so it is pertinent that they have enough ammunition to be able to do this.

So, what do you all think? Would they explore moving to 20 if Pouncey gets past NY? Are they locked in and set to "pounce" on the first trade partner after Miami? Is it just a smokescreen so they can take someone else?

The opinions shared here are not those of the editorial staff of Behind the Steel Curtain or SB Nation. These posts are not approved in any way by the editorial staff of this web site.