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.

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Realistic depiction of Steelers draft war room highlighting top 2026 NFL Draft needs: offensive line, wide receiver, and safety.
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Analysts outline Steelers' top needs ahead of 2026 NFL draft

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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.

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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.

ESPN draft analyst Matt Miller has issued a cautious outlook on the 2026 NFL draft, identifying only 11 prospects with first-round grades. This slim number raises concerns for the Pittsburgh Steelers, who face roster needs in a potentially shallow talent pool. Quarterback Trinidad Chambliss emerges as a notable prospect amid uncertainty about his eligibility.

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The Pittsburgh Steelers made no moves at the 2025 NFL trade deadline, drawing criticism from former general manager Ran Carthon for failing to acquire wide receiver Jakobi Meyers. At 5-3 and atop the AFC North, the team relied on recent defensive adjustments, including the acquisition of safety Kyle Dugger, following a win over the Indianapolis Colts. Pittsburgh now prepares for a Week 10 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers.

Former Tennessee Titans general manager Ran Carthon likened University of Washington wide receiver Denzel Boston to Indianapolis Colts receiver Michael Pittman Jr. Carthon described Boston as a reliable, quarterback-friendly option despite lacking elite speed.

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NFL draft prospect KC Concepcion had a preventative knee procedure performed last week, sources told NFL Network's Mike Garafolo. The Texas A&M wide receiver is projected as a first-round pick and expected to be fully recovered by rookie camp.

 

 

 

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