The Steelers' Hidden Treasure Trove: Why ESPN's Trade Value List is More Than Meets the Eye
When ESPN’s Bill Barnwell dropped his list of players who could fetch first-round picks, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ six inclusions raised more than a few eyebrows. Personally, I think this isn’t just about individual talent—it’s a reflection of something much bigger. What makes this particularly fascinating is how it highlights the Steelers’ strategic shift in recent years. Let’s dive in.
The Trench Warriors: A Strategic Draft Focus
One thing that immediately stands out is the heavy emphasis on linemen and edge rushers. DT Keeanu Benton, OT Troy Fautanu, C Zach Frazier, DT Derrick Harmon, and EDGE Nick Herbig aren’t just names on a list—they’re the backbone of Pittsburgh’s rebuild. What many people don’t realize is that this isn’t accidental. The Steelers have been quietly doubling down on the trenches, a move that’s both old-school and forward-thinking.
Take Fautanu, for example. His potential move to left tackle could make him a cornerstone of the offense. If you take a step back and think about it, this is the kind of player teams build around. Frazier, too, is on the cusp of becoming a top-tier center. In my opinion, this focus on the trenches is a masterclass in long-term roster construction. It’s not flashy, but it’s effective.
The Controversial Picks: Benton and Herbig
Keeanu Benton’s inclusion is where things get interesting. Personally, I think ESPN’s assessment is a bit of a stretch. Yes, he’s shown flashes, but a first-round pick? That’s a hard sell. What this really suggests is that Barnwell is betting on potential, not current production. If Benton can finally put it all together in 2026, this conversation changes entirely.
Herbig, on the other hand, is a different story. His massive contract complicates things, but if he continues to develop, he could be worth far more than a single first-rounder. From my perspective, this is where the Steelers’ front office will need to tread carefully. Trading him now might feel premature, but waiting too long could devalue him.
Joey Porter Jr.: The Outlier
As the lone skill-position player on the list, Porter’s inclusion is both obvious and intriguing. His coverage stats are elite, but his contract situation adds a layer of complexity. What makes this particularly fascinating is how it reflects the broader trend in the NFL: top corners are becoming increasingly expensive. If the Steelers don’t lock him down soon, teams might wait to sign him in free agency rather than trade for him.
This raises a deeper question: Are the Steelers willing to pay top dollar for a cornerback? In my opinion, they should. Porter’s value isn’t just in his stats—it’s in the stability he brings to a defense that’s still finding its footing.
The Bigger Picture: Omar Khan’s Draft Mastery
What many people don’t realize is that this list is a testament to Omar Khan’s draft strategy. All six players are either on rookie contracts or just past them. This isn’t luck—it’s a deliberate approach to building a sustainable roster. If you take a step back and think about it, the Steelers are positioning themselves for long-term success without sacrificing immediate competitiveness.
A detail that I find especially interesting is how this contrasts with teams like the Seahawks or Rams, who have more players deemed worthy of multiple first-round picks. The Steelers might not have the flashiest names, but they’ve built a foundation that’s both deep and versatile.
The Future: What This Means for Pittsburgh
If there’s one takeaway, it’s this: the Steelers are quietly setting themselves up for a brighter future. Personally, I think this list is less about who they might trade and more about who they’re building around. The trench-heavy focus, the young talent, the strategic contract management—it all points to a team that’s playing the long game.
What this really suggests is that Pittsburgh isn’t just aiming for a quick turnaround. They’re building something sustainable. And in a league where sustainability is rare, that’s worth paying attention to.
Final Thought:
In my opinion, the Steelers’ six inclusions on ESPN’s list aren’t just a sign of individual talent—they’re a reflection of a franchise that’s finally getting its groove back. If they play their cards right, the best is yet to come.
