Do The Steelers Have An Odd Man Out In Their WR Room For 2023?

Mike Tomlin and the Pittsburgh Steelers have had quite the track record with drafting receivers. One can assume they have the "secret recipe" in finding players that fit their scheme. Last season, the Steelers traded away Chase Claypool to the Chicago Bears for a second round pick, which resulted in pick number 32 this year's draft. Claypool scored 11 total touchdowns as a rookie, but did not mature into that dependable receiver the Steelers thought he would be when they selected him in the second round in 2020. However, the Steelers have solidified the WR1 and WR2 positions in Diontae Johnson and George Pickens, but unfortunately that's it heading into 2023.

Where is the depth in the WR room?

The Steelers should be actively looking to add another playmaker into the receiver room via the 2023 NFL Draft, trade, or late free agency. Johnson and Pickens both finished 2023 with over 800 receiving yards each, however, the next receiver on the current roster is Gunner Olszewski, who finished the season with 53 yards receiving. 

I get it, it was a transition year in 2022 having Mitch Trubisky and then a rookie in Kenny Pickett, but these numbers don't lie. In 2022, the Steelers drafted Calvin Austin III in the fourth round, but he didn't play the entire year due to injury. Rounding off the receiver room are third-year player Cody White, who had 1 catch for 2 yards last season, and veteran Anthony Miller. There is a lack of depth on this roster and I expect the Steelers to address this need during the draft. 

So who is the odd man out? 

In order to compete with the likes of the Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills and Miami Dolphins, the offense needs to be more explosive. I expect the Steelers to draft a WR within their first three picks to address the needs of this position group. With the expectation of drafting another WR, who is the odd man out then? 

Traditionally, the Steelers keep six WR's on the active roster. Pickens, Johnson and Austin III are going to be on the roster, so let's get those three out of the way. Selecting a WR in the draft will be the fourth slot on the roster allocated to the position, which leaves two spots available. White brings a big frame at 6'3", but lacks game reps. Miller is a season vet who has been injured and Olszewski struggled last season before being replaced early in the year. The last position spot will come down to Olszewski and Miller. I believe Miller will edge him out due to having more seasons under his belt.

So SteelerNation, who do you think is the odd man out of the WR room? Do you think we will even draft a WR? Let us know in the comments below!

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