The mock draft season for the Pittsburgh Steelers and all other 31 NFL teams is slowly coming to an end and heading into the last month. Dozens of analysts have a plethora of different options for the black and gold in the first round at pick #17 overall. The team is typically tight-lipped about what the priority will be early in the draft, but the history of the organization is pretty clear. More often than not, the front office will go after the best available player on their big board, regardless of the positional needs.
Steelers General Manager, Omar Khan stands on the field in Pittsburgh, PA. | George Gojkovich / Getty Images
That could be true once again in 2023 as Tankathon, a draft website that provides data and analysis for all four major sports, has Pittsburgh going in a different direction than what is currently expected. Their mock drafts change, sometimes even daily, but as of Thursday, March 30th, a stud wide receiver falls to Pittsburgh at #17.
Steelers Grab Draft's Top Pass Catcher, TCU Star Quentin Johnston
With names like Deonte Banks, Brian Branch, Lukas Van Ness, among others still yet to be selected, Tankathon's data has the Steelers selecting Johnston, who most believe is the best wide receiver in the 2023 class. He has been mocked all over the place, but him going to Pittsburgh hasn't been a scenario that is being talked about often. There are certainly needs at cornerback, safety, edge rusher/linebacker and the trenches up front with the offensive and defensive lines. But, one has to wonder what the Steelers would do if Johnston is sitting there at #17 without a home. Surrounding second-year quarterback, Kenny Pickett with as many weapons as possible is a recipe for success.
Steelers quarterback, Kenny Pickett (#8) prepares to take a snap in the shotgun formation with running back, Najee Harris (#22) to his right against the New York Jets during a 2022 regular season game at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA. | Photo Credit: Jordan Schofield/SteelerNation (@JSKO_PHOTO Twitter)
Johnston is Martavis Bryant-esque at 6'4" and 195 pounds. He was a crucial piece to Texas Christian University's historical season and finished with 60 receptions,1,069 receiving yards and caught six touchdown passes. Pairing him with Diontae Johnson and George Pickens would have the potential to be a lethal threat to opposing defenses to deal with. This pick would also be looking ahead to the future as Johnson's extension signed in 2022 wasn't necessarily long-term and he will be a free agent after the 2024 season. Could a combination of Pickens and Johnston be the future? It's hard to imagine, however, the Steelers passing up some of the players who could be available when it comes their time to pick in order to draft a wide receiver instead.
Pittsburgh already has plenty of weapons around Pickett but does seem to be missing a consistent, third-pass catcher. Calvin Austin III remains a question mark after he sat out his entire rookie season in 2022. It's one thing to be optimistic about his contributions, but the team would be foolish to be counting on him.
Steelers wide receiver, Calvin Austin III (#19) makes a catch during the 2022 training camp at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA. | Photo Credit: Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter JSKO_PHOTO)
The Steelers drafting Johnston would be a little bit out of left field given the areas of need elsewhere on the depth chart, but it can't be ruled out. If an organization has the chance to select the best wide receiver in any single year's draft class, it'd be silly not to at least consider making the pick.
Do you think Johnston is in play for Pittsburgh in the first round? Let us know in the comments below!
#SteelerNation
