Deep 2026 WR Class Gives Steelers Chance To Perfect Weapon In Round 2

With the 2026 NFL Draft approaching, the Pittsburgh Steelers have several roster needs for General Manager Omar Khan and new Head Coach Mike McCarthy to address. One of the biggest positions of need in the 2026 offseason is wide receiver, after 2025 left plenty to be desired from the Pittsburgh pass-catchers. The Steelers hold the 21st overall pick, and they'll have a plethora of options in what appears to be a very deep wide receiver class; however, one analyst thinks Pittsburgh could wait until round two to find their next star.

That lack of production at wide receiver was glaring throughout the 2025 season. Outside of DK Metcalf, the Steelers struggled to get reliable contributions from the position. Too often, defenses were able to key in on Metcalf without fear of being punished elsewhere, stalling drives and shrinking the margin for error on offense. It’s a big reason why wide receiver has quickly risen near the top of Pittsburgh’s offseason priority list.

Some of the biggest wide receiver names in this year's draft are Ohio State's Carnell Tate, USC's Makai Lemon, Arizona State's Jordyn Tyson, and Washington's Denzel Boston. All of which are expected to be taken in the first round, and all of which could very well be off the board before Pittsburgh makes their 21st overall selection.

That puts the Steelers in an interesting spot. While trading up is always an option, Pittsburgh has traditionally valued draft capital and depth, especially with multiple areas on the roster still needing attention. Offensive line, cornerback, linebacker, and quarterback are all positions that could warrant consideration at pick No. 21, which may make it difficult to justify an aggressive move up the board for a receiver.

Unless the Steelers look to trade-up, their chances of landing one of the aforementioned pass catchers might be slim, but there is still an opportunity to land a very intriguing prospect, and that is Indiana's Omar Cooper Jr.

Cooper helped lead Indiana to their first National Championship in school history in 2025, leading the Hoosiers in receptions and receiving yards, and was second on the team in receiving touchdowns.

Perhaps Cooper is best known for his game-winning touchdown grab against Penn State. A leaping, toe-tap catch in the back of the end zone with just 36 seconds left that kept Indiana’s undefeated season alive and instantly became one of the most talked-about plays of the college football year.

In that play alone, Cooper showed off his unreal athleticism, and it's clear that he's got the potential to become a big-time playmaker in the NFL. His body control, vertical explosiveness, and confidence at the catch point are traits that tend to translate well to the next level, particularly for teams looking to add a dynamic outside receiver.

Ryan Wilson from CBS Sports also sees that potential, and he thinks that even if the Steelers can't grab one of those top-names, Cooper could land in Pittsburgh and make an immediate impact.

"Pittsburgh doesn't know who their quarterback is, but they still need to have someone to throw the ball to outside of DK Metcalf. I would with Omar Cooper Jr. And if they can get him in the second round, that would be an absolute steal," Wilson said. "Fill some other needs with that 21st pick overall. Get Omar Cooper Jr. out there as your number two opposite of DK Metcalf. And now we can start moving the ball down the field, and feeling a little bit better about it."

From a roster-building standpoint, that approach makes plenty of sense. Adding Cooper in the second round would allow Pittsburgh to address another premium position early, while still walking away with a receiver who could realistically contribute right away. Lining Cooper up opposite Metcalf would instantly give the Steelers more balance and force defenses to defend the entire field, rather than loading coverage toward one side.

Steelers’ 2026 Quarterback Situation Remains Unclear

While finding someone to catch passes is a big priority for Pittsburgh this offseason, it will be equally important to find someone who will throw those passes.

As the Steelers wait to hear a decision from Aaron Rodgers they certainly can still look around for potential replacements, and could even look to draft that potential replacement even if Rodgers returns. 

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