Steelers' Mike Tomlin Meets With A Big Name Georgia Wide Receiver That Could Fix Depth Issues

Last year, the Pittsburgh Steelers were able to have one of their best drafts in a long time. Most of the credit has gone to General Manager Omar Khan, who constructed this draft in just his first year in the position. Overall, the praise should go to everyone in the front office for this success. Because of the team's achievements during the 2023 NFL Draft, names like Broderick Jones, Keeanu Benton, Nick Herbig, and Joey Porter Jr. should be terrorizing the NFL for years to come. This year, the Steelers hope to replicate the success to further improve the team.

The Steelers and the Bulldogs

One team the Steelers seem to have a strong connection with throughout their history is the University of Georgia. Just last year, they drafted Jones, as well as Darnell Washington, who got their fair share of reps in their rookie year. In 2022, they selected George Pickens, and he has looked like a top-five wide receiver in the NFL at times. Another guy who came from Georgia is Hines Ward, who happens to have a Super Bowl MVP with the Steelers.

In 2024, don't be surprised if the Steelers look to Georgia again in the draft. There are already fans who are calling to pair up offensive lineman Amarius Mims and Sedrick Van Pran back with Jones to create an elite offensive line. Kamari Lassiter is also an interesting name to watch at the cornerback position and would fit well into the Steelers' defense. The last guy that nobody seems to be associating with the Steelers is wide receiver Ladd McConkey, who has been very impressive during his time with the Bulldogs.

There seems to be a real possibility that McConkey could end up in the black and gold. During the first day of practices of the 2024 Senior Bowl, Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin decided to pay a visit and watch. One player that Tomlin made a point to go get in contact with just so happened to be McConkey. 

With Tomlin in the crowd, expectations were high for McConkey, but he delivered. Many sources, including NFL.com, say that he has been able to separate himself from the pack and was a clear day-one winner. He showcased veteran-level route running. 

The biggest negative when it comes to McConkey is his size. Being listed at only 185 pounds, this could be an issue when making the transition to the NFL. But as DeVonta Smith of the Philadelphia Eagles has proven, you can be a smaller receiver in the league and still be successful.

McConkey's draft projection is all over the place, but it seems that he will most likely be drafted in the second round. A comparison that has been floating around for him is Steelers wide receiver Diontae Johnson. The way both guys are able to create separation and make it seem like the defensive back is nowhere near them is unmatched. 

So, what do you think about this, Steeler Nation? Would you want the team to go and bring in yet another wide receiver? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!

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