When you look at immediate needs for the Pittsburgh Steelers in next month’s NFL draft, wide receiver isn’t exactly a position that stands out. Offensive line and cornerback, sure — but receiver?
The Steelers love them some receivers and have met with a handful at the NFL Scouting Combine, but two stand out: According to Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s Christopher Carter, the Steelers had a formal meeting with first-round hopeful Brian Thomas Jr. out of LSU. Another receiver projected to go in the first, Oregon’s Troy Franklin, also met with the team.
The last receiver taken with Pittsburgh’s first pick? With their first-round pick belonging to the Miami Dolphins in the Minkah Fitzpatrick trade, they took Chase Claypool at No. 49. Santonio Holmes was their last true first-round receiver selection in 2006.
When it comes down to it, the Steelers are probably just doing their due diligence and nothing more. They don’t typically start rookie wide receivers in their first year, so taking one at No. 20 doesn’t make sense. That is unless the team has plans to trade Diontae Johnson in the offseason.
