Steelers Trade Up for Downs

0:00It's April 6th. You're listening to NFL News today, AI-powered NFL coverage. Pittsburgh Steelers sitting at the 21st spot in the 2026 NFL Draft. ESPN analyst Bill Barnwell says they should trade up to snag a superstar safety from Ohio State, Caleb Downs. Barnwell eyes the eleventh pick from the Miami Dolphins. Downs brings killer instincts, big hits, and playmaking chops. Think 12.5 tackles for loss, four picks, and two force fumbles over two. Buckeye seasons. He's top 10 talent, but safety sometimes lied like Kyle Hamilton or Durwin James did back in the day. The proposed deal has Steelers grabbing that eleventh pick plus a 2027 sixth rounder. In return, Dolphins get the 21st. Pittsburgh's third round 76 pick and a 2027 second rounder. Steve Price with that future second, but Downs could be worth it. Steelers rarely jump big in round one, but when they do, it's for defensive studs.

1:01Back in 2003, they moved from 27th to 16th for safety, Troy Polomalu. That panned out huge. In 2019, they went from 20th to 10th for linebacker Devon Bush mixed bag with injuries. Defensively, Pittsburgh needs that boost while they sort the quarterback mess with Aaron Rogers. Trading up for Downs fits their rare bold moves on elite defenders.