Draft analyst Todd McShay identified outside linebacker as the Pittsburgh Steelers' top roster need ahead of wide receiver, excluding quarterback. He shared this view on his podcast Friday. The assessment comes amid ongoing discussions about the team's draft strategy at the No. 21 pick.
Todd McShay stated on his podcast that for the Steelers, wide receiver ranks as the number two need after EDGE. “Steelers, I think it’s their number two need after EDGE, if I’m being honest with you. If we’re excluding quarterback, which we are,” McShay said. The Steelers recently added Michael Pittman Jr., yet the wide receiver position remains a frequent mock draft target for their first-round selection at No. 21 overall. Pittsburgh's current EDGE group features T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith, both contracted through 2027, along with younger players Nick Herbig and Jack Sawyer. Herbig faces a contract decision this offseason, potentially leading him to free agency next March. Other analysts have echoed interest in EDGE, including Peter Schrager's mock of Clemson’s T.J. Parker to Pittsburgh, and comments from Ryan Wilson and Marc Ross advocating early draft attention to the position. Potential first-round EDGE options at No. 21 include T.J. Parker, Ahkeem Mesidor, and Keldric Faulk. Second-round prospects could encompass Malachi Lawrence, R Mason Thomas, Gabe Jacas, Derrick Moore, and Dani Dennis-Sutton. McShay's prioritization marks a shift, as EDGE had not been widely viewed as a pressing need until recent mocks.