Steelers 2024 New Wide Receiver Search Stops At Texas With 2 Big Name Prospects

The Pittsburgh Steelers' wide receiver room includes two 2022 draft picks, George Pickens and Calvin Austin III, and the recently signed Van Jefferson. Omar Khan is rumored to be exploring several big names in trade negotiations. Brandon Aiyuk from the San Francisco 49ers, Terry McLaurin from the Washington Commanders, Stefon Diggs from the Buffalo Bills, and Justin Jefferson from the Minnesota Vikings have all been linked to the Steelers in some fashion.

All of those names would come with a significant cost for Pittsburgh. The Steelers would have to commit considerable draft capital and a hefty portion of their salary cap to any of the four. On Wednesday, Mike Florio from NBC Sports outlet Pro Football Talk suggested that Khan and Andy Weidl might be better off using the NFL draft and what is left of the free agent wide receiver class to fill out a half-empty positional room. The 2024 wide receiver class is one of the deepest in recent memory and is full of intriguing possibilities. 

Zach Azzanni, the Steelers' new wide receiver coach, was deployed to the Texas Longhorns pro day on Wednesday to observe two wide receivers moving up NFL draft boards. Xavier Worthy, who wowed those in attendance at the NFL combine with a record-setting 4.21 40-yard dash, and Adonai Mitchell, a tremendous physical talent in his own right, worked out for NFL scouts. Both players were impressive and exhibited tantalizing skill sets that could translate into NFL success.  

Azzanni replaced Frisman Jackson after the 2023 season, who was let go after a two-year tenure with the Steelers. The former Denver Broncos wide receiver coach has 26 years of experience and is tasked with restoring discipline to what was, at times, an out-of-control position group in 2023. Khan and Weidl are also relying on Azzanni's eye for talent at the position. He got more than an eyeful in Austin.  

Worthy dazzled scouts by building on his record-breaking 40-yard dash with crisp route running and strong hands. Quinn Ewers, who is returning to Texas and figures to be near the top of the 2025 quarterback class, was on hand to help his wide receiver duo maximize the workout. Worthy caught every ball thrown to him, including several long passes demonstrating just how explosive he could be in the NFL. 

The only question about the speed merchant is his size, specifically his weight. His 5' 11" frame only carries 169 pounds, up four pounds from his NFL combine weight. Worthy probably needs to add another 10 to 15 pounds without sacrificing speed to defeat bigger, stronger cornerbacks who will jam him at the line of scrimmage to slow him down. You can't teach speed; his slight frame is the only reason he may last until the second day of the draft. 

Mitchell is 6'2" tall and weighs 205 pounds. He possesses prototypical NFL size and posted his impressive 40-yard dash at 4.34 seconds in Indianapolis. Mitchell was a member of the Georgia Bulldogs' back-to-back National Champions before transferring to Texas for his junior season. He dropped two passes during his Pro Day workout, but they did not affect his overall performance or dampen enthusiasm about his NFL prospects. 

Worthy led the 2023 Texas receivers with 75 catches and 1,014 receiving yards, but Mitchell led the team in touchdowns with 11 and averaged nearly two yards per catch more than Worthy on 20 fewer catches. He is not currently as polished as his Longhorns teammate, but his potential impact at the professional level has him steadily creeping up draft boards. 

Azzanni should return to Pittsburgh with glowing reports on both Longhorns wide receivers. Mitchell's size might make him a better fit in Arthur Smith's offense, but either receiver would make an explosive number two wide receiver next to Pickens. Russell Wilson still throws an impressive deep ball, and the presence of Worthy or Mitchell would present a nightmare for defensive coordinators who would have to decide who to double-team. 

Steelers General Manager Omar Khan Has Big Decisions To Make Before 2024 NFL Draft

It might take some serious Khan artistry to pull off a Texas two-step and maneuver into position to grab Mitchell or Worthy. The Steelers still need to add high-end offensive line help, and it will be interesting to see what they prioritize in the 2024 NFL Draft. Khan is assembling multiple upgrades for Mike Tomlin in 2024, and adding another high-level receiving threat is a priority. 

What do you think, Steeler Nation? Should the Steelers prioritize the acquisition of a wide receiver in the NFL draft? Please comment below or on my Twitter/X: @thebubbasq. 

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