Three WR Targets for the Steelers in Round One of the 2026 NFL Draft

The Pittsburgh Steelers haven’t exactly had a consistent answer at wide receiver in recent seasons. In fact, their last three leaders in receptions tell the story:

2023: George Pickens – 63 catches
2024: Pat Freiermuth – 65 catches
2025: Kenneth Gainwell – 73 catches

Two of those players aren’t even wide receivers: and two aren’t even on the roster anymore. With a lack of WR1 level production, the team traded for D.K. Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr. over the last two offseasons, but if Pittsburgh wants to stabilize its passing game, the 2026 NFL Draft could be the place to do it.

With a deep class at the position, the Steelers should have options when they’re on the clock with the 21st pick overall. As such, they’ve hosted several pre-draft visitors with their 30 total permitted. The position is the one they’ve had the most interest in, and with new head coach Mike McCarthy looking for versatile playmakers, Pittsburgh is making it no secret that they could target receiver with their first round pick.

Here are three wide receivers who could make sense for the Steelers to draft in the first round.

Embed from Getty Images

Denzel Boston, Washington

Boston is one of the more intriguing receivers in this class and already appears to be firmly on Pittsburgh’s radar following a pre-draft visit this week. He’s coming off a strong 2025 season with 62 receptions for 881 yards and 11 touchdowns.

Boston is the larger of the three players listed here, standing 6’4″ and weighing 209 lbs. He brings size, body control, and a knack for finishing in the red zone. He profiles as a boundary receiver who can win contested catches but also has enough athleticism to create separation.

If the Steelers are looking for a true outside presence to anchor the position group, Boston checks a lot of boxes.

Embed from Getty Images

Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State

Tyson might be one of the most difficult players in this class to project, but the talent is undeniable. At 6’2″, 203 pounds, he combines size with fluid movement and strong hands. His 2025 production backs it up with 61 receptions for 711 yards and 8 touchdowns.

Tyson has been mocked all over the first round, which speaks to both his upside and the differing opinions evaluators have on him. Some mock draft have him going as early as pick 11 to the Miami Dolphins as a replacement for Jaylen Waddle, while others see him fall to and beyond 21.

For the Steelers, that kind of volatility could work in their favor if he’s still on the board. He fits the mold of the versatile receiver McCarthy covets, who can line up in multiple spots and grow into a larger role.

Embed from Getty Images

Omar Cooper Jr., Indiana

Cooper is a name that continues to build momentum as the draft approaches. A favorite target of projected number one overall pick Fernando Mendoza, Cooper helped lead the Indiana Hoosiers to the CFP title back in January. He’s a tad shorter than the other two players listed, at six-foot-even but plays larger than his height.

Scouts and receiver coaches have taken notice of his athleticism, hands, and overall trajectory as a player. He’s viewed by some as a potential WR4 in the class, but his stock appears to be rising.

There’s already buzz linking him to Pittsburgh, and it’s easy to see why with 69 receptions for 937 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2025.

Cooper offers a well-rounded skill set with room to develop, and his character has been consistently praised throughout the pre-draft process. For a team that values both talent and intangibles, he fits the profile.

Embed from Getty Images

The Bigger Picture

The Steelers don’t necessarily need to force a wide receiver pick in the first round, as the group is plenty deep. Ohio State’s Carnell Tate is the consensus head of this class and could be a top ten pick, followed by USC’s Makai Lemon, who is often intermixed with the three names above.

Another player who could fall into a late round one or round two selection is Texas A&M WR K.C. Concepcion. Both are smaller receivers – each standing 5’11” – and therefore aren’t linked as often with Pittsburgh. Though only Boston has had an official pre-draft visit, the current state of the Steelers offensive depth chart – and 12 picks total in this year’s draft – suggests receiver is a position that will be strongly considered. Therefore we can’t rule out any of the above.

If they hold their cards until the second round and keep a pick in that round, Alabama’s Germie Bernard and Georgia’s Zachariah Branch are two additional names to consider, with each being linked to the team with announced, but unofficial visits or team dinners.

Whether it’s a polished option like Boston, a high-upside play like Tyson, or a rising name like Cooper, Pittsburgh has multiple paths to upgrading the position in this draft. Cincinnati’s Jeff Caldwell and Kentucky’s Kendrick Law round out the other pre-draft visitors, indicating that players outside of the first round aren’t out of the question – or perhaps multiple receiver picks altogether.

Special teams play may also factor into a late round pick with previous punt returner Calvin Austin having signed with the New York Giants in the offseason. Thus, if the goal is to bring stability back to the passing game, it might start with calling a wide receiver’s name, or two, during draft weekend.