Players Steelers Could Trade Up For

2012 NFL Draft: 5 Players the Pittsburgh Steelers Could Trade Up for





By
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The [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.] make a draft-day trade? It has happened before, although the rarity of it is something to behold. The Steelers simply have a different strategy than most when it comes to their draft picks. They believe firmly that they will get their guy at their assigned pick.

It’s worked out. Their rare trades also have worked. Whom might they target in a trade-up scenario this year? Let’s have a look at five candidates that are realistic.





Dontari Poe, DT, Memphis


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This is the dream scenario for Pittsburgh, which has a very evident and obvious need at defensive tackle. Casey Hampton is still there and just recently redid his deal to take a pay cut.

He’s aging, though. He’s not the same player he was three years ago. He also is coming off an ACL injury, and at his age and weight, that could be a major issue. He’s improved his conditioning in recent years, which is good, but his ability to recover will be tested.

Poe is athletic for his size (his time in the 40-yard dash was faster than some linebacker prospects) and he’s got big-play potential. He’s got every tool you’d want in a 3-4 nose tackle.

He improved his stock at the combine and might have moved above the team’s reach. Still, he’s a very reasonable trade-up candidate