Fans of the Pittsburgh Steelers are ready to turn the page on the 2026 offseason. There are exciting moments left, but the majority of news surrounding the team has dealt with either the quarterback or wide receivers positions. Once the NFL Draft commences, all questions should be answered, and the team will move into the preparation stages for the regular season. One of the highlights around the league dating back to the legal tampering period starting was General Manager Omar Khan acquiring Michael Pittman Jr. from the Indianapolis Colts in a rather simple deal.
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Newly acquired Steelers wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. runs after a catch while with the Indianapolis Colts during an NFL game in 2023.
Despite the significant move, the Steelers could still be in play to go after a pass-catcher in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Sitting with the 21 overall selection, Khan and co. will have plenty of options because of how the roster has been constructed to this point. There have been several wideouts linked to Pittsburgh, and the noise will only get louder as the big event inches closer.
On Wednesday, The Athletic's Mike DeFabo took a deep dive into the wide receiver class and used the help of draft analyst Nick Baumgardner. A fascinating name that has consistently been connected to the Steelers is Arizona State playmaker Jordyn Tyson. He ended up getting compared to Puka Nacua, but not necessarily in a good way.
"It’s definitely a concern," Baumgardner wrote. "His injury history isn’t as severe as Puka Nacua’s was when he came out of BYU, but it gives off a similar vibe as Tyson missed time with something every year he’s played. He blew out his knee (ACL, MCL, PCL) while playing for Colorado in 2022, and after transferring to Arizona State, he broke his collarbone in 2024 and had hamstring problems last season."
Talent is one thing, but injury history is a whole different beast. There have been players that get to the NFL and part ways with a negative reputation regarding ailments, but Tyson is already raising some red flags. This is something that the Steelers are going to be considering. Nacua fell all the way to the fifth round, but has become one of the best on-field wide receivers at the professional level.
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Arizona State Sun Devils wide receiver Jordyn Tyson takes a moment to reflect prior to a collegiate football game.
Baumgardner continued to give his analysis on Tyson. While the talented player could be seen as someone who should go in the Top 10, the questions that keep arising about his ability to stay healthy could seriously hurt him. This could end up giving the Steelers an opportunity to take him with the 21st overall selection if he slides down the board.
"There’s an old saying that injuries are like magnets for more injuries," Baumgardner noted. "It’s not necessarily one thing on Tyson’s medical sheet that’s a concern, but more a question of general durability. I definitely think it’s possible he slips into Pittsburgh’s range. At the same time, he’s one of those players who is easy to fall in love with and it wouldn’t shock me to see him go in the top 15."
Time will tell what Pittsburgh decides to do here. Tyson is talented, as Baumgarnder has him ranked as his second-best wide receiver in the class behind Carnell Tate. Several past injuries, however, are very difficult to look past. It's hard for someone to contribute if he is constantly finding himself watching games from the sideline in street clothes. Khan and co. will truly have to evaluate this, and having him for a Top 30 visit may be a way to get some more critical information.
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Steelers General Manager Omar Khan stands on the field with his arms folded as he looks out into the distance while the team gets set to play in a professional football contest.
Steelers Don't Have To Take A Wide Receiver In The First Round
Overall, Tyson might slip to Pittsburgh. That doesn't exactly mean that the team will automatically take him. The receiver class is incredibly deep, and the front office in the Steel City could elect to take a left guard or safety, even if Tyson is there for the taking. Nacua turned out just fine when it comes to his production on the field; although, he has missed time due to injuries. The biggest question is if a team like the Steelers will be willing to roll the dice on Tyson or not.
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