Steelers Could Do Something They Haven’t Done in 20 Years
At the end of April, the Steelers could do something the franchise hasn’t done in two decades. The team has not drafted a wide receiver in the first round for 20 years. They chose Santonio Holmes in the first round of the 2006 NFL Draft. The Steelers currently have 12 draft picks, which is the most of any team in the entire NFL this year. Many names have been linked to the Steelers in mock drafts, all at various positions, including quarterback, wide receiver, and tight end. The Steelers have a greater need at wide receiver compared to other positions.
Even though the Steelers traded a sixth-round draft pick to the Indianapolis Colts in exchange for Michael Pittman Jr. in March, the wide receiver room still remains questionable. Pairing Pittman with veteran DK Metcalf is an excellent decision; however, the team is still lacking depth at wide receiver. Ben Skowronek is primarily being used as a special teams player; the team doesn’t seem confident in Roman Wilson, and the Steelers lost Calvin Austin III during free agency to the New York Giants. Other receivers that recorded catches in 2025 for the Steelers who are no longer on the roster include Adam Thielen, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, and Scotty Miller.
In a recent episode of his “Kaboly + Mack” podcast, Steelers insider Mark Kaboly and his co-host talked about the upcoming NFL Draft. Kaboly discussed what position he believes the Steelers will target in the first round. “Wide receiver is number one, 1A in my book,” Kaboly exclaimed. “Now, depending on who’s left at wide receiver compared to who’s left at tackle or guard, then maybe if your tight end’s there, then you look at that.” He added, “I still think everything points towards a wide receiver. It has been for a while now in my mind because of the need, what they did in the offseason, where they have holes at WR3 and WR4 right now.”
Since 2006, the Steelers have drafted three offensive skill position players in the first round, opting to draft either an offensive lineman or someone on the defensive side of the ball. It would be an ideal time for the Steelers to draft a wide receiver in the first round. The draft has a very strong wide receiver class this year. Many of them are first-round talents. USC’s Makai Lemon, Indiana’s Omar Cooper Jr., Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson, Washington’s Denzel Boston, and Ohio State’s Carnell Tate are among the top wide receivers in the 2026 NFL Draft.
