Why the Steelers should consider moving in the 2018 NFL draft

Currently, the Steelers are sitting at the 28^th pick of the 2018 NFL Draft, and with current draft analysis, it appears unlikely that any of the top players on the Steelers’ wish list will be available when they are on the clock.

Many fans believe Alabama’s Rashaan Evans would be the best pick. However, don’t get your heart set on this prospect. Evans will be this year’s Haason Reddick. Early mock drafts will have him going around the Steelers 28^th pick, but the kid is going to test out of the gym. He’s already done it in high school, and after 4 years playing for the Crimson Tide, I don’t think it’s possible for his numbers to regress.

If the Steelers want a shot at this linebacker, they’re going to have to leapfrog linebacker-needy Dallas. But going from 28 to 18 would require a king’s ransom. The Steelers would likely have to give up each pick from the top three rounds to move up 10 spots. So, unless the Steelers fall in love with Evans, don’t expect them to sell the farm for one prospect.

What is more likely is trading back the Steelers 28^th pick. Experts expect a run on offensive lineman and wide-outs at the end of the first round/beginning of the second rounds. So, trading back with a team that wants some protection for a young QB makes a lot of sense for both sides.

The ideal trading partner, in my opinion, is the New York Jets. The Jets currently have two second-round picks, so they’ll be more willing to move one of them. The Steelers would likely acquire the 37^th pick and the 72^nd pick (3^rd round) for their 28^th selection. The trade back still keeps the Steelers in play for Alabama safety Ronnie Harrison, and gives the team four picks in the first three rounds.

The Steelers shouldn’t be too worried about another team selecting Harrison. If you look at picks 29-36, the only team that would have safety high on their board would be the Cleveland Browns, and considering the Browns likely draft Minkah Fitzpatrick at pick No. 4, they probably won't take another safety this high in the draft.

The draft boards will change drastically once we hit the combine and pro days, but the Steelers could use some extra picks to fill the holes in its defense.