Steelers' Top Receivers Receive Massive Disrespect After NFL Analyst Tells Lies About Them Publicly

The Pittsburgh Steelers had a very unusual situation happen with the 2026 NFL Draft in terms of the wide receiver position. Obviously, there was the whole Makai Lemon situation, but then they traded up anyway to get Germie Bernard in the second round. They also drafted a pair of players that could potentially make the roster as wideouts with Kaden Wetjen and Eli Heidenreich. Combined with the talent already rostered, this is definitely a unique receiver room. There is a ton of potential, but the development process needs to go right for it to work. 

While talking about Bernard on The Mina Kimes Show featuring Lenny, ESPN analyst Ben Solak praised the rookie for a trait that he later claimed the other starters don't have, which is factually untrue.

"Neither [DK] Metcalf nor [Michael] Pittman, I would describe as impactful blockers," Solak said. "And I think you always want to have at least one of those guys in your first three receivers."

Saying that neither DK Metcalf nor Michael Pittman Jr. can do the dirty work and block when needed is just disrespectful and false. If that was truly the case, one or both of them would not be in Pittsburgh, as the team has always valued strong blockers at the position. Of course, Ben Skowronek is arguably the best on the team when it comes to the dirty work. That's why he was nicknamed "Dirtbag" in the first place. 

It's true that Metcalf is not known for his ability to block, but that doesn't mean he does not make an impact. His teammates back with the Seattle Seahawks praised his offensive lineman-like tendencies when he doesn't have the ball in his hands. He can help open up a lane on the outside when the Steelers run toss sweep plays. He spoke about how that's a very important aspect of his game, and it's safe to say that will be the case again in 2026.

Meanwhile, Pittman's blocking game has been compared to Hines Ward, who is arguably the greatest "dirtbag" wide receiver in modern NFL history. The Steelers didn't trade for him just to run a bunch of quick slants; he's also in Pittsburgh to hit people and free up the ballcarrier in any way possible. Even if he's only half as good as Ward, we can confidently say that he makes a big impact while doing the dirty work.

Steelers' New Scheme Requires More Dirty Work From Wide Receivers

Previously, the Steelers ran a lot of multi-tight end sets, which meant they needed more pure talent at the receiver position to be able to beat the opposing defensive backs. Now, Mike McCarthy is expected to run more 11 personnel, and that includes run plays as well. There is expected to be much less beef and size, but that doesn't mean the ability to run block will go away with that in the process. 

The Steelers will have Pittman and Bernard on the field constantly during run-down situations, as they can play both outside and in the slot. That is key for McCarthy, who can draw up plays to have them inside to block and counter it with the play action. If he does want to run an outside run towards Metcalf's side of the ball, he can do that comfortably as well, knowing that the physical freak won't let his man run right by him.

Just because the Steelers drafted a quality blocker in Bernard doesn't mean that they lacked that type of skill set. Instead, they now have three starting-caliber wideouts that can help each other out and open up some big play opportunities. With this 11-personnel group, the defense will likely respond with smaller players in the secondary and linebacker corps to keep up with them, and that's perfect for this group of dirtbags.

What do you think about Solak being dead wrong about Metcalf and Pittman? Let us know on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.

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