Steelers Could Target Underrated Stud WR After Attending Iowa State's 2023 Pro Day

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach, Mike Tomlin continued his trek around the country on Tuesday. As is the case on an annual basis, Tomlin and other coaches are busy scouting college players in the offseason. After having dinner with University of Clemson, linebacker Trenton Simpson last week, the 16-year head coach, along with general manager Omar Khan, was spotted at Iowa State’s Pro Day on Tuesday. 

Despite the Cyclones' disappointing four-win season in 2022, there are a few notable players that the Steelers may be interested in. Will McDonald IV has a chance to become the first Cyclone drafted in the first round since George Amundson in 1973. In fact, it would be just the second instance in school history. With edge rusher not being a primary need, he likely won’t be on the board for the Steelers. 

That doesn’t mean Tomlin isn’t an admirer of McDonald though, who has some of the best pass-rushing moves in this draft. He is tied for the sixth-most sacks in college football since 2005. Instead, wide receiver, Xavier Hutchinson may be the most likely player from Ames that ends up in Pittsburgh. Tomlin was seen talking with the wide receiver during drills and getting a conversation in with him. 

Hutchinson had three very productive years in Ames, as he became one of the best players in the Big 12 in that span. In 37 games, he racked up 254 catches for 2,929 yards and 15 touchdowns. In fact, he was a First Team All-American in 2022 after a phenomenal senior year. As of now, it's unclear where he will go after his successful collegiate career, but it will likely be in the middle rounds. At the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine recently, Hutchinson ran a 4.53 40-yard dash. He could become the perfect No. 3 or 4 WR for the black and gold, depending on how Calvin Austin III does. 

Could ISU WR Hutchinson be a target for Steelers?

A team scout was also seen doing drills with defensive back Anthony Johnson, who was quite the player for the Cyclones in 2022. He will be a late-round pick and if the scouts believe in him on special teams, he could be a target into the weekend. A coach being present at a Pro Day doesn’t necessarily mean the team will draft a player from that particular college. It does show that the NFL franchise, at least, has the potential to be interested in one of the players though, as there were several members of the Steelers organization present on Tuesday.

What would you think of Hutchinson being selected in thes mid-to-late rounds? Do you think the team needs/wants to pick a wideout in the draft? How much stock do you put into Tomlin being at these pro days? Share your thoughts in the comment section below!

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