Steelers Get Concerning Analysis On Emerging WR Draft Prospect From Respected Guru

The Pittsburgh Steelers have three very clear options when it comes to wide receiver George Pickens. The organization could choose to take a leap of faith and extend him during the 2025 offseason, but that is unlikely due to his recent behavior. The franchise could also let him play out the final season of his rookie deal and make a decide whether or not to keep him around in 2026. The team also might have an opportunity to shop and trade him while he still has value as a play-maker on the field. Currently, no one has any idea what the end result will be.

Regardless of what happens with Pickens, the Steelers need to fortify the wide receiving corps. Aside from Pickens, the only two at the position under contract for 2025 are Calvin Austin III and Roman Wilson. With or without Pickens, the front office will need to make several moves to help the offense finally get over the hump after several seasons of underperforming.

While free agency has yet to occur, it is almost certain that Pittsburgh will decide to select at least one pass-catcher when the 2025 NFL Draft rolls around. This has plenty of mock drafts theorizing that the Steelers will land Ohio State's Emeka Egbuka in the first round with the 21st overall pick. Respected draft analyst Todd McShay took to X on Sunday morning to give his thoughts on the highly-touted prospect.

In a class that is weak at the receiver position, Pittsburgh could elect to draft one in the first two rounds. Egbuka could be on the radar, but the analysis from McShay is concerning. A rookie can't be counted on to blossom immediately, but the Steelers can't afford to draft a borderline number two guy. The future for Pickens looks bleak, even if he remains in the Steel City for one more year. Whichever player at the position is drafted must have an extraordinarily high ceiling.

The Steelers can't afford to fool around at wide receiver during the 2025 offseason. Egbuka would be a nice player to have, but Pittsburgh can't decide to reach for him in the first round if he is going to be a career second option. If Pickens were to figure his situation out, and quickly, a combination of the two pass-catchers might be elite, but the unfortunate reality is that Pickens is unlikely to be in the Steel City for much longer.

The fan base will know more as the pre-draft process really begins to ramp up. Head Coach Mike Tomlin is known for prioritizing certain players and positions each year during the top 30 visits. That will give a little more insight into which players the organization really likes as the draft approaches. There isn't a doubt that wide receiver is a pressing need, but the Steelers mess around and not nail the pick. McShay's analysis could turn some fans off to the idea of Egbuka coming to Pittsburgh.

Steelers Have No Choice But To Make Significant Splash Outside Of Draft

Regardless of how many wideouts Pittsburgh takes in late April, there will be an emphasis beforehand focusing on the position. The trade market and free agency could both be options, but General Manager Omar Khan failed in both areas back in 2024 as he looked for a receiver. After watching what the offense looked like late in the season without Pickens, the team has no choice but to get it right this offseason.

Do you think that Egbuka can be a legitimate wide receiver one at the professional level for the Steelers? Let us know in the comments below!

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