Steelers' Mike McCarthy Gets Clear Warning About Getting Too Comfortable With DK Metcalf

The Pittsburgh Steelers' 2026 NFL Draft plans are generating headline after headline. As the draft rapidly approaches April 23 in the Steel City of Pittsburgh for the first time in NFL history, many pundits are starting to speculate exactly what the Steelers’ new head coach, Mike McCarthy, and General Manager Omar Khan are going to do in Round 1. The Steelers will be picking 21st overall in that first round, and even though they traded to land Michael Pittman Jr. in the 2026 offseason, many insiders still have confidence that McCarthy will take a wide receiver in that spot. 

One issue growing is that the Steelers have their two outside WRs in DK Metcalf and Pittman, but they need some help in the slot. Dorin Dickerson questioned Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo on 93.7 The Fan on Wednesday about what type of wide receiver he believes Pittsburgh is eyeing at 21. Jordyn Tyson and Makai Lemon are two possible names connected to Pittsburgh at this spot, as well as someone like Denzel Boston and other exciting players who can help out the middle of the field.

Fittipaldo pushed back on the idea that Pittsburgh should lock itself into targeting a specific receiver type, even with a perceived need in the slot. He emphasized that McCarthy’s offensive philosophy values versatility, with receivers expected to line up at all three positions rather than being confined to a single role. While a smaller, quick-separating slot option could make sense on the surface, the broader priority may be ensuring the offense remains flexible and adaptable as personnel evolves. With all of that being said, Fittipaldo does issue a warning to Khan and McCarthy to be careful here.

"Yeah, if you are the Steelers, and I am sure they will not do this," Fittipaldo said while speaking on 93.7 The Fan on Wednesday. "I think they need to be very careful not to just pigeonhole yourself into saying, 'OK, we have DK Metcalf, we have Michael Pittman Jr.' You got your two outside receivers, but you absolutely need a slot."

That long-term outlook also applies to Metcalf, who, while still a premier talent, may not be the same player in a few years. Because of that, Fittipaldo suggested the Steelers should resist passing on higher-upside prospects simply to fill a short-term need. 

Instead of forcing a fit, Pittsburgh could ultimately lean toward selecting the best player available at No. 21, even if that player doesn’t neatly solve the current slot question.

"I don't think they will do that because Mike McCarthy wants all of his receivers to know all three different positions, and he wants those guys to be interchangeable," Fittipaldo said. "I think on the surface, it makes sense to get that smaller type of receiver, that guy who can separate and get some yards after the catch. Yeah, that would make a lot of sense, but DK Metcalf in a couple of years, I don't know if he will be the same player as he is now. So do you turn your back on Jordan Tyson or a Lemon if those guys are available at 21? I think you just go out and get the best player at 21."

Steelers Faithful Are Thrilled About Hosting 2026 NFL Draft

Lemon is an interesting prospect because he projects as an inside type of guy early in his career and could move to the outside later. That actually would work perfectly with what Fittipaldo articulated in his second quote on the show.

Steelers fans are super excited to find out in their own city which player gets picked 21st overall when Khan and McCarthy get on the clock. The Steelers faithful are thrilled about getting the chance to host the 2026 NFL Draft.

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