Projecting Steelers' Trade Up for Caleb Downs

The Pittsburgh Steelers aren't expected to trade up in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft.

The Steelers have been patient in the first round under general manager Omar Khan, and they will likely let the draft board fall to them once again with the 21st overall selection. That is, unless the right player suddenly becomes available at an unexpected place.

A player like Ohio State safety Caleb Downs is one of those rare exceptions. Arguably the top defender and overall player in the 2026 NFL Draft class, Downs is a player who would thrive under new defensive coordinator Patrick Graham and take this unit to the next level. But it would take a trade-up to snag Downs. What does that deal look like for the Steelers? Well, there's more than one way to go about this, and each could help the organization land a new superstar.

Trade Scenario 1: Capitalize on Kansas City's Defensive Needs

The Kansas City Chiefs hold the ninth overall pick in the upcoming draft. The Chiefs also still hold championship ambitions with Patrick Mahomes returning at some point from his ACL tear. The question for KC is, do they take proven talent or a big swing on young talent?

The Steelers can offer some defensive help, specifically at edge rusher. The team has two players with unsteady futures in Pittsburgh, with Nick Herbig needing an extension and Alex Highsmith making a tidy $17 million per year. Including one of these players would tempt Kansas City and help the Steelers move up to get the safety of the future.