Steelers Encouraged To Stay Away From Intriguing Wide Receiver Prospect

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been mocked to take several different position groups with their top picks in the 2026 NFL Draft—one of those being wide receiver. Pittsburgh has been expected to use its first-round pick on a pass-catcher throughout the 2026 offseason. However, a lot of this chatter came before the front office made a splash trade with the Indianapolis Colts to acquire wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr.

The franchise consequently signed Pittman to an extension worth up to $59 million over three years. This move made receiver less of a need, but it doesn't necessarily mean that the Black and Gold are out of the room when it comes to drafting one. 

The Steelers own 12 draft picks and utilized the compensatory draft formula to gain multiple additional mid-round selections. Their first-round pick sits at the 21st overall selection. However, with that comes the need for a full roster evaluation. Pittsburgh needs to be really confident in a receiver at that spot, as its left guard hole and other positions might take precedence. 

On an episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, Steelers beat writer Brian Batko refuted a recent ESPN mock draft where the Steelers selected Chris Brazzell II in the second round. Brazzell is another huge receiver and is a similar archetype to the existing playmakers on the Steelers' roster. Batko thinks that this pick wouldn't make sense for the Black and Gold.

"I think whoever they take at receiver probably makes more sense to have someone who is either different enough from the guys that you have in-house that you already know are going to be playing a lot of snaps for you, or have some real versatility at that size," Batko said. 

Someone like Brazzell would be nearly identical to star receiver DK Metcalf and offers little in terms of slot play. The Steelers currently need a separator, someone who can be a good route runner, is speedy, and can be thrown in the slot. 

Pittman and Metcalf are primarily outside guys, and the offense needs some to complement its two stars. Brazzell only registered 24 snaps in the slot in 2025 and wouldn't fix the need there. The Steelers have been mocked to draft him with their second-round pick, and it seems like a high price to pay for a player who doesn't make an impact immediately. 

A player like Roman Wilson could make a serious case to play in the slot, but if the Steelers want to go younger, there are plenty of candidates in the draft. Batko's notion makes it clear that Pittsburgh's front office needs to make sure they're not just getting a big receiver because of his intangibles. 

The team need to get someone who can be plugged into its offense and not just be a one-trick pony. The offense needs a clear-cut slot playmaker, and that needs to be a point of emphasis — or at least a player who is effective at multiple spots. 

Steelers Might Not Value Receiver As Highly As Many Think

It's possible that the Steelers are content with the pieces that are currently on their roster. The addition of Pittman really changed the outlook of the 2026 offseason. Initially, it seemed that round one would be where the Steelers would address their concern at the position, and then they would add some depth pieces in free agency. Obviously, it's entirely possible they still go with a pass catcher in round one, but the need seems less daunting now. 

The front office could very well wait until the mid-rounds to get their next young receiving talent. The dozen draft picks make it easier for them to find hidden gem talent, and the Steelers are no strangers to finding effective players in the middle of drafts, especially wideouts. 

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