Steelers Senior Bowl Edition: "Would you Rather?"

Story by Yinzer Crazy Contributor Jobe Morrison. Follow him on Twitter @JobeM127

As we approach the 2022 offseason, the Pittsburgh Steelers have been spending time in Mobile, AL at the Senior Bowl—up close and personal with prospects they are eyeing for their 20th overall pick and beyond. Mike Tomlin, Kevin Colbert, Matt Canada, and even Art Rooney II have been spotted among other scouting department personnel.

With a lot of buzz coming out of the Senior Bowl practices— especially Tomlin eyeing QBs, Offensive Linemen, and Defensive linemen—it got me thinking... with all of the speculation and buzz going around, who would I rather have in a few scenarios?

In this Senior Bowl Edition of Would You Rather, I want to hear your feedback on what you would do in these different scenarios. Tweet us @yinzercrazyshow with your answers!

Would You Rather?

Draft an Offensive Lineman or Defensive Lineman in the first round?

I know the most popular answer is going to be Offensive Lineman. After last season and the unknown quarterback situation, the trenches are in dire need of attention; not just on offense. Aside from Cameron Heyward and Chris Wormley, there seemingly was no real consistency on the defensive line. Additionally, Tyson Alualu enters the final year of his deal at 34 and Stephon Tuitt may not return (per speculation, at least.)

The Steelers also have over $30M in cap space before extensions, potential tenders/tags, and cap casualties. Could the Steelers look to address offensive (or even defensive) line needs through free agency? For the offensive line, it may not hurt to get solidified veterans with the unknown coach situation. On the flip side, there could be some talent on the defensive line in free agency that could help create some consistent depth.

Trade-Up or Trade-Back in the draft?

There have been a lot of disappointments and some surprises in Mobile, AL, so far. There has also been a lot of non-movement draft stock-wise from Senior Bowl practice performances outside of the QB position it appears. Certainly, the Senior Bowl is going to change that on Saturday, Feb 5th. However, as of now, I wonder if one of these strategies makes the most sense for the Steelers given their draft position.

We all love the idea of trading back when you get into that 15-25 overall pick range. However, if the Steelers indeed love one of these quarterbacks or offensive linemen - could we see a Polamalu/Bush type of double-digit spot trade-up? Like in those two cases in 2003 and 2019, if that’s your guy, you do what needs to be done and go get ‘em! If not… maybe some additional capital could help?

Draft Kenny Pickett or Malik Willis?

Both come with a lot of upside and potential. Both come with some valid concerns. However, I do believe that if there is a spot the Steelers would be willing to trade up for, it’s the quarterback position. Teams I could see them trading with include Atlanta at 8 and New York at 10. This would mean either Pickett or Willis could be available.

So let’s pretend that the Steelers move up into the top 10 and have both of the aforementioned darling QB’ still available when they are on the clock. Who would you take? 

Ask any Yinzer who was alive and remembers the 1983 draft, and a guy named Marino, might foresee history repeating itself. A Pittsburgh Panthers record-setting passer with the opportunity to be selected by his college town, only to be passed up and put the franchise in limbo for another 21 years. Pickett has taken a Joe Burrow type of leap. Despite some arm strength and hand size (meh) concerns, he has all of the intangibles, swagger, and character you look for in your franchise leader. Or…

Willis, a passer with immense arm talent, mobility, and a unanimous agreement of upside for scouts, could be available. A high risk, high reward type of player. Though polarizing among fans who don’t like the “small school” or “project” player, he  could be a franchise changing prospect. He has all the tools, leadership, and character you could ask for in a passer. He is what you need talent wise to compete at this level.

So…Would you Rather?