Steelers' Top First-Round Draft Target Suddenly Leaked During Combine

The Pittsburgh Steelers are heading into the 2025 offseason with plenty of speculation surrounding their next moves. However, nothing is generating more anticipation than what they will do in the 2025 NFL Draft. With the Scouting Combine set to kick off, all eyes are on what general managers and coaches are saying, as football fans eagerly search for any hints about their team's potential draft direction.

On Tuesday, Steelers fans got some intriguing new information about the team’s plans. General Manager Omar Khan spoke with the media, offering responses that may or may not reflect the team's true intentions. Meanwhile, insiders worked behind the scenes, gathering intel on Pittsburgh’s potential targets. While the Steelers have been linked to multiple positions in the first round, wide receiver has emerged as the most widely anticipated selection at this stage of the offseason.

During an appearance on 93.7 The Fan Tuesday evening, KDKA’s Richie Walsh provided an interesting update. Walsh revealed that Ohio State Buckeyes star wide receiver Emeka Egbuka has been closely linked to the Steelers—similar to how Najee Harris was back in the 2021 NFL Draft. This revelation adds even more intrigue to Pittsburgh’s draft outlook, as speculation continues to build around their first-round strategy.

"I talked to [CBS Sports' analyst] Ryan Wilson at length today and it seems like the scuttlebutt who they think the Steelers are gonna draft is Emeka Egbuka from Ohio State," Walsh said. "It seems like everyone's on that train right now. They compared it to Najee Harris. Everyone had the Steelers taking Najee Harris. It seems like it's the same thing."

Back in the 2021 NFL Draft, it wasn’t exactly a well-kept secret that the Steelers had serious interest in selecting the Alabama star running back Harris. Fast forward to today, and that pick remains heavily debated, with many fans questioning whether it was the right decision. Now, as the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, the Steelers appear poised to use their 21st overall pick on the OSU wide receiver Egbuka.

If there’s any truth to the Steelers targeting Egbuka in the first round, fans shouldn’t be quick to criticize the move. The team desperately needs help at wide receiver, and Egbuka would be a perfect complement to George Pickens. While Pickens thrives on the outside as a big-play threat, Egbuka could fill the role Diontae Johnson once held, excelling in the slot and providing a reliable target underneath.

Steelers Drafting Emeka Egbuka In Round 1 Would Be A Wise Move

What makes Egbuka even more appealing is his selfless mentality—something Steelers fans also heard about Roman Wilson during the draft process this time in 2024. Egbuka is a true team-first player who doesn’t demand the ball and is focused solely on helping his team win. He’s got a strong work ethic, great leadership qualities, and a level-headed approach to the game. Pairing him with Pickens could create an exciting duo, and his leadership might even help Pickens mature into an even greater player.

The Steelers have plenty of exciting options heading into the 2025 NFL Draft and offseason. Selecting Egbuka would provide a significant upgrade to their wide receiver room, giving them a playmaker who can contribute immediately. Beyond Egbuka, the Steelers also have Wilson, who saw little to no opportunities during his rookie season in 2024. 

Fans are eager to see what he can bring to the table, while Calvin Austin III is expected to take another step forward in his development. If the Steelers draft wisely and add a veteran in free agency, their wide receiver corps has the potential to become a much stronger unit heading into the 2025 season.

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