Citing a league source, Jason La Canfora of NFL Network reports that the Steelers are willing to “exhaust all realistic possible scenarios” in which they could trade up to draft Florida guard/center Mike Pouncey.
Steelers coach Mike Tomlin has reportedly given his personnel department an “edict” to move up for Maurkice’s brother in the event Mike “starts to slip” in the draft.
According to La Canfora, Tomlin is “enthralled” with the idea of pairing Mike with Maurkice on the interior of his offensive line. The latter Pouncey twin plays center, and the former would likely move into the starting lineup at right guard.
The Miami Dolphins are believed to be interested in Mike Pouncey at No. 15 overall. If the Fins pass, La Canfora says “the scenario could unfold for the Steelers to move up.”
Say Miami does pass on Pouncey. He could conceivably land with the Jaguars at 16, Patriots at 17, or Giants at 19. All of those teams could use interior offensive line help.
The Steelers currently hold the No. 31 overall pick. Per the NFL Trade Value Chart, Pittsburgh’s first-rounder is worth 600 points. Jacksonville’s is worth 1,000.
La Canfora suggests Pittsburgh might wait for Pouncey to slip to 20, where the Bucs’ first-rounder is worth 850 points. Tomlin has a relationship with Tampa coach Raheem Morris.