Why Chase Claypool is key to Steelers first-round trade up

There has been a lot of buzz surrounding a potential trade up by the Steelers in the 2023 NFL Draft. The team that keeps popping up as a trade target is the Bears and Pittsburgh's 2022 deal with Chicago could help it get to pick No. 9.

According to reports, the Steelers would be able to send pick Nos. 17 and 49 for the Bears' pick No. 9, after having traded them Chase Claypool for the Bears' second-round pick for this draft back in 2022. If it ends up happening, it would mean Pittsburgh and Chicago have essentially swapped their first and second-round picks for the wide receiver, while still leaving Pittsburgh with the 32nd overall pick.

It seems to be a consensus that the Steelers have won the Claypool trade, at least as of now. However, if Pittsburgh were able to jump up to pick No. 9 because of it, it would be one for the record books.

The Steelers must have a player in mind if they were to trade up to pick No. 9 and that seems to be the case. Reports say Pittsburgh "loves" Ohio State offensive tackle Paris Johnson Jr., who ranks as Pro Football Focus' No. 19 overall prospect and the second-best offensive lineman on its big board.