Night one of the NFL Draft started off chalk, but then we saw history with 14 straight picks belonging to the offensive side of the ball.
There was a thought that Pittsburgh may have been part of one of the few defensive selections, seeing as all the corners were available at pick 20, but they stayed true to their board and took one of the best pure players in the draft via Troy Fautanu.
But with the run on WRs coming late in round one, and the 49ers adding fuel to the trade rumor fire by being a part of that run, Pittsburgh may be in an advantageous position to add a veteran WR:
Prediction 1: Steelers Trade for either Brandon Aiyuk or Deebo Samuel
There were reports leading up to, during and after the draft that the 49ers were actively taking calls on both of their top WR options. That was all but confirmed when the team took Ricky Pearsall with the 31st overall pick, suggesting one of either Deebo Samuel or Brandon Aiyuk will be on a different team in 2024.
Samuel will likely cost less via draft capital, but he carries a weighty contract. Aiyuk may be a tad younger and the better overall WR, but the whole reason he is on the trade block is because of the contract impasse between he and the 49ers.
But if I'm Pittsburgh, there isn't a WR left in the draft that could produce the way either of these two can, meaning Omar Khan needs to make an offer the 49ers can't refuse.
Prediction 2: Pittsburgh Takes a Defender Before a Center
While the Steelers certainly need a center, something tells me a team that relies on defense and is built on the backs of the league's most expensive unit will look to add to that side of the ball with one of their three-day two picks.
Corner seems the most obvious, but don't rule out an EDGE or DL prospect.
Prediction 3: Pittsburgh Trades up in Round 2
Because Pittsburgh is armed with an extra third-round pick and one reletivky early in round 4 (119) if trade talks fall through in regards to a veteran WR, I think Pittsburgh gets aggressive and trades up into the 30's instead of sitting back and waiting at 51.
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