The Steelers were active in the 2023 NFL Draft under new general manager Omar Khan, trading up for Broderick Jones, their next franchise left tackle.
Is Pittsburgh intending to do the same in 2024, targeting one of the class’s top playmakers?
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Steelers were one of the teams that spoke with Washington wide receiver Rome Odunze at the NFL Scouting Combine last week, and he believes it should not be disregarded.
“The reason why those are interesting is those would be potential trade up teams,” Rapoport told ESPN. “It’s rare to see a large trade up for a receiver, but not never. Clearly, this is something to keep an eye on.”
If Pittsburgh is interested in trading up, it will undoubtedly be costly. The franchise now has the 20th choice, and Odunze is expected to go considerably higher.
Odunze is the third-best wide receiver and No. 8 overall prospect on Pro Football Focus’ big board, with 167 receptions for 2,785 yards and 20 touchdowns in 2022-23. The Steelers would most likely have to make a top-10 deal to get him.
Why would Pittsburgh be interested in Odunze when wide receivers George Pickens and Diontae Johnson are already on the roster?
Well, according to Sportskeeda’s Tony Pauline, the Steelers are willing to trade Johnson for the appropriate price.
“While it’s not fair to say Johnson is on the trading block, several people tell me the Steelers are open to moving the receiver if they receive fair compensation,” Pauline wrote in an email.
If Pittsburgh does replace Johnson, it will need to find another wide receiver to partner with Pickens. Odunze may be the answer. Only if the Steelers are willing to pay the cost, of course.
