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.

Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette does not expect the Pittsburgh Steelers to trade up in the 2026 NFL Draft for a wide receiver. He shared this view during appearances on 93.7 The Fan, citing the depth of this year's receiver class. The team recently hosted USC prospect Makai Lemon for a pre-draft visit.

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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.

The Pittsburgh Steelers selected 10 players in the 2026 NFL Draft, including offensive tackle Max Iheanachor in the first round and wide receiver Kaden Wetjen in the fourth. Newcomer Kaden Wetjen expressed openness to lining up in the backfield on offense. Analysts offered varied praise and criticism for the haul.

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The Pittsburgh Steelers wrapped up the first week of the 2026 NFL free agency period with several roster moves, including trades and signings to bolster their offense and defense. They acquired wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. and signed cornerback Jamel Dean, while losing speedster Calvin Austin III to the New York Giants. The team also received a salary cap credit of over $3.65 million for 2026.

Several NFL teams have shown interest in prospects visiting the Pittsburgh Steelers ahead of the draft. ESPN analyst Mel Kiper Jr. listed three players the Steelers have met with among his favorite sleepers. This comes as the Steelers narrow their first-round targets based on pre-draft visits.

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The 2026 NFL Draft kicks off Thursday night in Pittsburgh with the first round, where the Pittsburgh Steelers hold the 21st overall pick and 12 total selections. Steelers general manager Omar Khan has shown willingness to trade up, amid interest in prospects like Penn State's Vega Ioane and USC's Makai Lemon. Broderick Jones' ongoing recovery from neck surgery adds urgency to bolstering the offensive line.

 

 

 

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