Steelers beat writer predicts wide receiver at No. 21 pick

Pittsburgh Steelers beat writer Mark Kaboly maintains that the team is likely to draft a wide receiver with the 21st overall pick in the first round. This comes after the Steelers acquired Michael Pittman Jr. and already have DK Metcalf on the roster. Kaboly expressed this view on The Larry & Big Man Show.

Heading into the offseason, the Pittsburgh Steelers faced a clear need at wide receiver, with DK Metcalf as their primary proven option. The team addressed this partially by trading for Michael Pittman Jr. and signing him to a three-year contract, reducing the urgency but not eliminating the need entirely, according to beat writer Mark Kaboly of Steelers Depot. Kaboly prefers bolstering the offensive or defensive lines but senses the direction points elsewhere. He stated on The Larry & Big Man Show: “As for the first round of the draft, I would love to say here, let’s continue to build out that offensive line or defensive line with those big fatties, right? I love those guys. But something tells me they’re going with wide receivers. It’s pointing all towards a wide receiver in the first round with that 21st overall pick. And I don’t think anybody’s gonna complain about that, because you got Pittman, Metcalf, then Roman Wilson, right? So, they need that. They need that, they need receiver pretty badly.” The Steelers declined to re-sign Calvin Austin III, and Roman Wilson showed inconsistency last year, falling out of favor with Aaron Rodgers as the season progressed. Potential first-round targets include Denzel Boston, Omar Cooper Jr., and KC Concepcion, though some may go earlier. The wide receiver class is considered the deepest, and with five picks in the top 99, Pittsburgh could address other needs first and add a WR3 later to complement Metcalf and Pittman.

Related Articles

Realistic depiction of Steelers draft war room highlighting top 2026 NFL Draft needs: offensive line, wide receiver, and safety.
Image generated by AI

Analysts outline Steelers' top needs ahead of 2026 NFL draft

Reported by AI Image generated by AI

The Pittsburgh Steelers enter the 2026 NFL Draft with 12 picks, including five in the first three rounds, after addressing several needs in free agency. Experts such as Todd McShay and Ross McCorkle emphasize priorities like offensive line, wide receiver, and safety. Recent history suggests value at the No. 21 pick.

Building on the Pittsburgh Steelers' recent free agency moves—as detailed in our coverage—the team is prioritizing a guard, safety or wide receiver with their No. 21 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, per insiders. Reporter Ray Fittipaldo advocates a best-player-available strategy at these spots, with potential interest in a quarterback or tight end later.

Reported by AI

The Pittsburgh Steelers addressed several needs in free agency but left gaps at left guard, left tackle and safety heading into the 2026 NFL Draft. Analysts offer varied predictions for the team's 21st overall selection, from offensive tackle to safety. Opinions differ on using a high pick on interior linemen.

The Pittsburgh Steelers have bolstered their roster through free agency signings and a trade for wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. following Mike Tomlin's retirement and the hiring of Mike McCarthy as head coach. Analysts offer differing views, with some praising the additions and others questioning the lack of a rebuild. The team won the AFC North last season but failed to secure a playoff victory.

Reported by AI

The Pittsburgh Steelers are focusing on adding depth at tackle, guard, and quarterback positions ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft, following free agency moves. After losing left guard Isaac Seumalo, the team plans to start Spencer Anderson but eyes veteran and draft options. Uncertainty persists at quarterback with Aaron Rodgers' status unclear.

The NFL has completed 19 trades since the new league year began on March 11, marking the most ever at this stage. The Pittsburgh Steelers contributed by acquiring wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. from the Indianapolis Colts.

Reported by AI

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr., recently acquired from the Indianapolis Colts, shared details on how new head coach Mike McCarthy plans to diversify his role. In an interview on Up & Adams, Pittman expressed excitement about expanding beyond his short-to-intermediate usage in Indianapolis. He anticipates lining up in various spots and returning to a broader route tree.

 

 

 

This website uses cookies

We use cookies for analytics to improve our site. Read our privacy policy for more information.
Decline