Steelers Land Something Special In New WR Roc Taylor After Game Changing Moment In 2024

The Pittsburgh Steelers didn’t draft a wide receiver in the 2025 NFL Draft. Ahead of the 2024 season and throughout it, there was significant concern about the wide receiver group. With questions surrounding George Pickens’ ability to handle the number one role, fans and analysts alike wondered how the Steelers would address the position. However, after trading for star wide receiver DK Metcalf in the 2025 offseason, those concerns have largely been put to rest. Metcalf brings experience, size, and playmaking ability that solidifies the receiving corps, alleviating much of the uncertainty.

Despite their trade for Metcalf, the Steelers still added to their depth by signing undrafted free agent Roc Taylor from Memphis. Taylor is a relatively under-the-radar prospect, but his college career featured two highly productive seasons that showcased his potential. While many might overlook him due to his undrafted status, Taylor possesses the skills and mentality to make a significant impact. His route running, size, and ability to fight for contested catches make him an intriguing option for the Steelers.

One key moment, courtesy of WREG News Channel 3, from Taylor's 2024 season with the Tigers perfectly encapsulates his resilience and character. In a tied game against Charlotte, Taylor dropped what could have been a game-winning touchdown, a tough mistake for any player. Instead of letting the moment define him, Taylor kept his composure, listened to his teammates, and remained focused. A drive later, he made an incredible game-winning touchdown catch, showing the kind of mental toughness that’s hard to scout but invaluable in the NFL.

"I was just so frustrated because it was a routine catch that you make at practice," Taylor said. "I never miss those catches. It was a perfect ball, so I was just frustrated with myself, but those guys kept me up and told me just to keep going, the ball can come back your way."

For most star wide receivers, dropping a game-winning ball would be enough to shake their confidence and take them out of the game. However, for Taylor, it became the fuel he needed to bounce back and lead his team to victory. 

This kind of resilience is a rare trait that can't be taught. His Head Coach Ryan Silverfield shared his thoughts on the key moment.

"He came to the sideline frustrated and I said with a smile on my face to stop that crap," Silverfield said. "I told him he’s a great wide receiver, put a dang smile on your face and go out there and win this football game. For him to have that drop and then go back and have the game-winning catch. It was huge."

Taylor bouncing back to make the game-winning catch tells Steelers fans a lot about the type of receiver they’ve added. While it’s not common for undrafted free agents to make noise or even secure a roster spot, Taylor’s resilience sets him apart.

Taylor is entering a crowded wide receiver room filled with talent, but he has a special mindset that could help him earn opportunities with the Steelers.

Steelers' Roc Taylor Was Very Productive In College

In the 2023 season in college, Taylor had a standout year, recording 69 receptions for 1,083 yards and 4 touchdowns, averaging 15.7 yards per catch with a long of 85 yards. The following year in 2024, he continued his strong performance, finishing with 66 receptions for 950 yards and 2 touchdowns, averaging 14.4 yards per catch with a long of 48 yards. Over these two seasons, Taylor consistently showed his ability to make big plays, contributing significantly to the Tigers’ passing attack.

Despite not receiving much draft hype, Taylor arrives at 6'3" and 215 pounds, carrying an abundance of confidence and a chip on his shoulder. The former Tiger brings a resilient mindset, earning high praise from his college coaches for his work ethic and determination. Now with the Steelers, fans are eager to see if he can carve out a role in a crowded wide receiver room.

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