The Pittsburgh Steelers have drafted a wide receiver in the first three rounds of the NFL draft in five of the last six seasons. The Steelers are credited as one of the best teams at identifying wide receiver talent, but they head into this offseason surprisingly thin at the position. Pittsburgh has significant holes on the roster but the team that is considered the best at drafting receivers may have to spend more draft capital on a position they should not have to worry about.
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Steelers George Pickens And Diontae Johnson
Ray Fittipaldo who covers the Steelers for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette joined the PM Team W/Poni & Mueller show on Thursday to discuss the offseason and talk about what direction the Steelers could go through the draft and free agency to fill out the suddenly understaffed receiver room.
“I don’t think there is going to be any big outside free agent signings,” Fittipaldo began. “I think if they are going to add anywhere it would be a receiver. A slot receiver who could come in just in case Calvin Austin doesn’t work out or Anthony Miller doesn’t work out.”
The Steelers have selected George Pickens, Chase Claypool, Diontae Johnson, James Washington and JuJu Smith-Schuster since 2017 and it has netted back Pickens and Johnson. According to ESPN Analytics, they are two of the top 15 receivers in the NFL but in Matt Canada’s offense that is definitely not based on production. Andrew Fillipponi asked the Steelers insider if they would consider bringing in a free agent like Parris Campbell to fill out the wide receiver room.
“Parris Campbell was a highly touted guy,” Fittipaldo recalled about the free agent receiver. “He would be a perfect reclamation-type project for the Steelers. They always bring high-pedigree guys. The Steelers always go to Ohio State’s Pro Day, so I’m sure they are very familiar with him. It’s not a bad idea. They aren’t going to pay more than four or five million and he could be a stopgap in case Austin or Miller don’t work out.”
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Steelers Potential Target Parris Campbell
Campbell was a highly touted prospect who went to the Indianapolis Colts in the second round of the 2019 draft. He was picked seven picks ahead of Johnson but has struggled to find a place in the Colts’ offense. Campbell did have his best season in 2022 and he does fit the profile of a Steelers free agency target at just 25 years of age. He has blazing speed and if he could harness it, Campbell might be an effective player in the slot role.
Steelers Could Target Lesser Known Free Agents To Provide Depth Behind Solid Rookie Class
The Steelers might be hesitant to use the draft pick they acquired for Claypool on a wide receiver. A young veteran free agent as insurance for Calvin Austin III seems like a savvy free agent move. Fittipaldo accurately points out that the Steelers are fans of former high draft picks who may have been bad fits during their first contract. The trade for William Jackson during the season is a perfect example of this phenomenon. The Steelers don’t abandon their draft board perceptions when a player hits free agency.
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Steelers Calvin Austin
Pittsburgh needs help on both the offensive and defensive lines and the recent Super Bowl demonstrated how receivers that initially wash out with the team that drafts them can be valuable contributors with the right quarterback. Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Kadarius Toney and Smith-Schuster proved the axiom. The wide receiver market is volatile and bargain veterans are going to become important pieces of the puzzle for competitive teams.
What do you think Steeler Nation? Should Pittsburgh concentrate on a player like Campbell who may be a diamond in the rough? Please comment below or on my Twitter @thebubbasq.
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