Could The Steelers Grab The Best Cornerback Prospect In the 2023 NFL Draft By Trading Up In the First Round?

There is a reason why many NFL Draft experts have Gonzalez going inside of the top 10 this year. He is an incredibly rare blend of size, speed, intelligence and toughness. He is projected as a day-one starter for whichever team is fortunate enough to land him. Gonzalez has the ability to exceed in virtually any type of defensive scheme and possesses the necessary confidence as a top-tier corner to make him an elite player at the next level. Needless to say, he would fit in seamlessly with the Steelers defense. In a perfect scenario, he would fall to the Steelers at #17. Realistically, the only chance of him wearing the black and gold in 2023 will come via a trade. 

Could Steelers' GM Omar Khan Pull The Trigger? 

Trading up for Christian Gonzalez would be a risk for the Steelers on a number of different levels. Historically speaking, the team has never done well in drafting defensive back prospects. Players such as Artie Burns, Senquez Golson and Justin Layne are just a few examples of corners the team has drafted over the past decade who did not live up to their potential. While Gonzalez will almost certainly have a more productive NFL career than any of these players, the Steelers would need to make a concerted effort to ensure that they develop him properly. 

Secondly, in order to trade up, the Steelers would have to give up valuable draft capital to do so. They would almost certainly have to cough up their first-round pick in 2023 as well as either of their second-round selections. The decision to move up to acquire the services of Gonzalez could jeopardize the entire draft strategy for Omar Khan. 

However, the opportunity to add a player of Gonzalez' pedigree may trump these fears. Could you imagine a starting secondary comprising of Christian Gonzalez, Minkah Fitzpatrick and Patrick Peterson? Combined with the pass rush of TJ Watt, Alex Highsmith and Cam Heyward? This collection of talent may be reminiscent of that of the legendary 2008 Steelers' defense. Gonzalez may just be the key to unlocking a whole new era for the Steel Curtain. 

Final Thoughts On The Possibility Of Trading Up For Christian Gonzalez 

At 20 years old, Gonzalez is perhaps one of the most intriguing cornerback prospects over the past few years. There is no denying how talented of a player he is. However, the dream of him playing for the Steelers in 2023 may quickly turn into reality, as he likely will hear his name called very early on NFL Draft night. However, if he somehow finds himself outside of the top 10, do not be surprised if the Steelers at the very least look into the possibility of trading up. In Omar, we trust, Steeler Nation. If any GM can do it, it's the man for the Pittsburgh Steelers. He may just work his magic once again and land one of the best players in the entire 2023 NFL Draft Class.