Trade up? Trade down? Stay put? Any and all 2011 NFL Draft scenarios are being discussed by pundits and fans of the six-time Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh Steelers.
Even though Pete Wilmoth spelled out quite logically here on SB Nation Pittsburgh why he thinks if would be a mistake — not to mention unlikely — for the Pittsburgh Steelers to trade up, I think that it might make sense for the Steelers to sacrifice quantity in favor of quality in the 2011 NFL Draft. Forget the conjecture for a minute though. Let’s turn our attention to how the Steelers might be able to pull of a draft day trade to move up in the first round to land Mike Pouncey, and how much they might have to give up in order to reunite the Pouncey twins in Pittsburgh.
Behind the Steel Curtain published a two round mock draft on Wednesday that included potential trade scenarios. And again, even though Steeler Nation might be divided about the decision, the scenarios laid out on BTSC are undeniably realistic. Let’s take a look.
It begins with the Miami Dolphins trading out of the No. 15 pick.
TRADE***
Miami gets picks 20, 51
Tamps Bay gets picks 15, 79
Then, when the Dolphins were back on the clock at No. 20, the Steelers could make their move.
20. Pittsburgh Steelers (from Miami Dolphins via Tampa Bay Buccaneers) – Mike Pouncey OG/OC, Florida
Team Needs: RG/CB/OT/DE/P/NTIt’s destined to happen. Pittsburgh gets the twin brother of current Pro Bowl OC Maurkice Pouncey, and fills a huge void at RG.
Not that Steelers fans necessarily care, it’s worth mentioning what the Dolphins could still conceivably land a running back late in the first round.
31. Miami Dolphins (via Pittsburgh Steelers) – Mark Ingram RB, Alabama
Team Needs: QB/RB/FS/TE/LGMiami’s needs didn’t match with the top talent available at 15, plus they get to re-coup the second round pick they gave up in the Brandon Marshall trade. Miami will then trade back again to get better value for their needs, acquiring another second rounder in the process. Here they take Ingram, who they’ve been linked to throughout the entire draft process, at a much better value and worth a chance given his possible knee issues.
For more Steelers draft analysis and mock draft discussion during the final few days before the draft, be sure to check out Behind the Steel Curtain and SB Nation’s Mocking the Draft.