The Pittsburgh Steelers have shown some interest in wide receivers in the pre-draft process, particularly in a few middle-round targets. Surprisingly, they didn’t sign any veteran free agents, so it seems likely that they will draft one at this point. They’ve met with a few guys, including UNC's Josh Downs and Ole Miss’ Jonathan Mingo. Pittsburgh’s scouts walked away extremely impressed with Downs’ Pro Day in Chapel Hill, calling it one of the “cleanest” workouts they’ve seen.
Ole Miss Athletics
Ole Miss wide receiver Jonathan Mingo (#1) runs away from Texas A&M defenders.
He showed to be an elite separator at the collegiate level, but the Steelers already have a few small wideouts on their roster. Still, Downs is a guy to certainly keep an eye on. On Monday morning, Senior Bowl executive director Jim Nagy tweeted out that the NFL isn’t nearly as high on this year’s wide receiver class as the media is.
One thing has become clear on calls around league past couple weeks: NFL isn’t nearly as high on this year’s WR class as media.
— Jim Nagy (@JimNagy_SB) April 10, 2023
Frequently seeing 4-5 wideouts in mocks. Have spoken to numerous teams that have only one first round grade at the position. That guy is JSN.
This should only be seen as good news for the Steelers. Many mocks have had several wideouts going in the first round, but that may not be the case. Jaxon Smith-Njigba is regarded as the best and most talented wideout in the class, so he will likely go in the first round. His slot presence would be a perfect fit for the Steelers, but it's unlikely he ends up in black and gold.
John McCoy / AP
Nagy confirmed that Smith-Njigba is the consensus top wideout, as several NFL teams have him as the only WR with a first-round grade. TCU's Quentin Johnston is another guy that will likely end up going in the first round due to his size and speed combination. Downs, Jordan Addison, and Zay Flowers are a few more guys that could slip into the first 32 picks. Regardless, this all bodes well for Omar Khan, Andy Weidl, and the rest of the front office come draft weekend.
Which WR makes sense for Steelers?
If Pittsburgh wants a WR, it seems like there will be plenty of playmakers remaining to choose from. Offensive tackle and cornerback are presumably the team's top two needs, but if a guy like Downs fell into their lap, it would make sense to scoop another weapon for quarterback Kenny Pickett.
It remains mysterious as to why the team seemingly hasn't shown any interest in Addison. The connection is there between him and Pickett, and it seems quite realistic that he's available in the second round. His performance at the 2023 NFL Combine was a bit disappointing, but he put together quite the tape from his college career. The wideout position is something to keep an eye on as the draft gets closer and closer. Jayden Reed and Xavier Hutchinson are two more middle-round WR's that have been connected to the black and gold.
Which wideout do you want the Steelers to take in this year's draft? Should they go harder after a guy like Smith-Njigba? Are you surprised by the team's lack of perceived interest in Addison? Share your thoughts in the comment section below, yinz!
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