NFL Combine Takeaways: Steelers Are Going to Be Aggressive
INDIANAPOLIS -- The Pittsburgh Steelers' NFL Combine journey has started, and from the sound of it, they are thrilled to be back in Indianapolis for another NFL Draft cycle.
The Combine started with Steelers general manager Omar Khan speaking to a small group of local media and then a larger group of national media at the podium. He gave us plenty and walking out of the opening day, there's already a sense of how this offseason will play out for Pittsburgh.
Steelers Will Draft a Quarterback
The Steelers want Mitch Trubisky around long-term, but they also probably understand the situation they are in with their backup quarterback. They'll extend him and keep him on the roster this season and likely next, but at some point, Trubisky is going to want another chance in the NFL.
That won't happen in Pittsburgh.
So, what's next? Well, the Steelers wanted Chris Oladokun to be their third quarterback last season. It didn't work because of the packed QB room. This year, that's different, and it should be expected that a passer is on their list at the NFL Draft.
Don't Bank on WR Streak Continuing
Omar Khan didn't have much to say about the wide receivers in the draft class, even leaving a question about Jordan Addison with a very short answer.
What he did sound excited about what the rehab process of Calvin Austin III and getting the second-year wideout back on the field in the spring.
"We're expecting great things from Calvin," Khan said.
Now, he didn't shut down drafting a wide receiver if the right one fell to them, but in the grand scheme of things, the vibe was very much that the Steelers will look at other positions first.
In the last 11 drafts, the Steelers have selected a wide receiver at least once in 10 of them. This year, they could make it 10 out of the last 12.
Omar Khan Has a Bit of a Fire
Leaving Day 1 of the NFL Combine, there was a strong sense that the Steelers have a new GM, and that GM is bringing a bit of a prove-it flame with him for his first offseason.
Khan set the Steelers up with three top 50 draft picks heading into the offseason. When asked about their current situation, Khan was open about how the team will receive and consider trade offers heading into Day 1 with the 32nd pick.
Before that, the Steelers are currently in contract talks with Cam Sutton and want to retain Alex Highsmith. They'll fix their quarterback situation with Trubisky and then sign free agents.
Khan feels "good" about the team's current salary cap situation and believes they'll have enough space to make any moves they need to.
Then...
Moving Up? Probably.
"If he's a good football player and we have the opportunity to go get him, we can get him, we're going to go get him," Khan said."
The Steelers are heading into round one with the 17th pick, but if that right player is sitting there with a chance to make a move, "all options are on the table."
So, who would be those players?
Joey Porter Jr., Christian Gonzalez, Kelee Ringo and Devon Witherspoon are likely all on that list. Paris Johnson could also be a name worth monitoring if the Steelers value him as one of the top left tackles.
Jordan Addison might be. He might also not even be a thought.
With the 17th Pick...
So, who are the Steelers' early candidates if they don't move and want to stay with the 17th pick? Well, all the above-mentioned cornerbacks should be first on the list. O'Cyrus Torrance is a name to watch down here, but Khan mentioned more than once that the o-line progressed very well during the season.
In my latest Mock Draft, Brian Branch was the decision at No. 17. But honestly, it could be anyone. The biggest takeaway from Day 1 at the NFL Combine is that the Steelers believe this is a fully-loaded draft class with a ton of superstar talent.
Their philosophy has always been, take the best player available. This year, they believe that will give them the greatest chance of landing the right pick at 17.
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