The Pittsburgh Steelers have been extremely aggressive throughout the 2024 NFL offseason, moving on from players like Diontae Johnson and Kenny Pickett, who were thought to be essential to the future of the franchise. The Steelers have addressed some of their needs in free agency by signing Patrick Queen and DeShon Elliott, but there are still holes in the depth chart that need fixing. There is time to sign players in free agency, but the way the Steelers have constructed their 2024 roster so far points to the direction they wish to go in during the 2024 NFL Draft.
Matt Freed / Pittsburgh Post Gazette
Steelers general manager, Omar Khan speaks to the media.
The Steelers dealt Johnson to the Carolina Panthers and received Donte Jackson in return, who fills a hole at cornerback. With Johnson leaving, the Steelers need to find a way to fill our their receiver room with quality talent. They have since signed Van Jefferson, who is a good weapon, but shouldn't be relied upon as the team's second or third wide receiver.
General Manager Omar Khan will likely be looking to select a receiver near the top of the draft, in either the first or second round. The Steelers currently have the 20th overall pick, which is a good position to grab LSU receiver Brian Thomas Jr., but Alex Ballentine of Bleacher Report thinks that is the worst possible landing spot for the young receiver.
"It makes sense, but Thomas isn't the right fit for what they need. There's too much overlap with George Pickens and the Steelers don't figure to be a pass-heavy team. With Arthur Smith coming on to run the offense, the Steelers are likely to lean on their running back tandem of Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren. There won't be enough deep targets to go around between him and Pickens."
George Pickens is one of the best deep targets in the league. In 2023, he averaged 18.1 yards per reception and finished the year with 1,140 receiving yards and five touchdowns. Thomas Jr. would give the Steelers offense another deep threat, who could alleviate some of the pressure and coverage on Pickens down the field.
Danny Wild / USA Today Sports
Brian Thomas Jr. was an excellent deep threat for the LSU Tigers, and that ability will be highly sought after in the NFL.
In addition to Pickens and Thomas Jr. being great deep targets, newly acquired Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson throws a great deep ball, even going into his 13th season in the NFL. Wilson's longest pass of the 2023 season went for 60 yards, and he has several passes that went for over 70 yards throughout his career. Despite Wilson's great career as a quarterback in the league, and specifically being a great passer when throwing down the field, Ballentine has doubts about the quarterback as he enters his 13th year.
"Add in the uncertainty surrounding Russell Wilson and whether he's washed up and you have a place that Thomas should be looking to avoid."
Wilson's time with the Denver Broncos definitely did not go according to plan, but his first head coach was fired after just one season in Denver. The organization then brought in Sean Payton, who decided Wilson wasn't a part of his plans for the Broncos, and Wilson was benched once he decided not to waive his injury guarantee. Wilson still started 15 games for the Broncos in 2023, and finished the year with 26 touchdown passes and just eight interceptions.
Wilson has been scrutinized by the media, but he now has a change of scenery. He is entering Arthur Smith's quarterback-friendly offense, and Wilson should be able to play like he used to once he takes the field in Pittsburgh. Teaming up with Wilson and Pickens should be something Thomas Jr. wants to see happen on draft night in 2024.
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Russel Wilson with the Denver Broncos in 2023
Steelers Need To Address The Wide Receiver Position In The Draft
When Johnson was traded to Carolina, it opened up a gaping hole in the Steelers' lineup. Pickens is now the only true starting caliber receiver on the Steelers roster. Jefferson has experience, but the Steelers will likely want to add additional receivers to fill out the room. There are still good receivers on the market, like Tyler Boyd.
The Steelers will also look to the draft for a receiver, and all the top prospects like Marvin Harrison Jr., Malik Nabers, and Rome Odunze will be gone once the Steelers' first pick roles around. Thomas Jr. could be available at 20th overall, and if the Steelers decide they want a receiver early on, he could potentially be the perfect selection.
What do you think about the Steelers drafting Thomas Jr.? Let us know in the comments below!
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