Eagles Could Ruin Steelers Draft Plans by Making One Important Move

(Kirby Lee-Imagn Images)

As the draft gets underway on Thursday night, it seems very likely that the Pittsburgh Steelers will go with a wide receiver, quarterback, or offensive lineman in the first round. Holding the 21st overall pick, the Steelers might have to get creative to land the player they want, but they should still have a strong chance of selecting someone who can make a major impact in the future.

It’s tough to say exactly what Pittsburgh should do, as there are multiple needs on the offensive side of the football. There’s also reason to believe they may need to move up to secure their target.

When looking at what that could mean for other teams around the NFL, some believe Howie Roseman and the Philadelphia Eagles could also look to move up a few spots to land an offensive lineman, especially with the understanding that the Steelers could go in that direction if they don’t take a quarterback or wide receiver at No. 21.

“Roseman has to start thinking about what the future looks like on offense now. At No. 23, he's stuck behind teams that could be thinking offensive tackle, including the Panthers at 19, Cowboys at 20 and Steelers at 21. Moving up ahead of them might be necessary to get Johnson's long-term replacement on the right side.

“There isn't the same sort of hunger for a wide receiver immediately ahead of the Eagles, but the teams right behind Philly (the Browns, Bears, Bills and 49ers) could try to jump Roseman to get that wideout, which might necessitate the longtime general manager beating his rivals to the punch,” Bill Barnwell wrote.

A lot of this will depend on how the draft unfolds. If the Steelers move up a few spots to take a quarterback, there wouldn’t be much to monitor here. However, if someone like Ty Simpson falls to them at No. 21, there’s a good chance Pittsburgh goes in that direction, which could limit how aggressive the Eagles need to be. Either way, it’s something to watch closely on Thursday night.