The Pittsburgh Steelers are poised to select at least one wide receiver in the upcoming NFL Draft, a move that seems increasingly evident. Trading away Diontae Johnson and acquiring talents like Van Jefferson and Quez Watkins has bolstered their depth at the position. Nonetheless, the need for a reliable wide receiver two, complementing the skillful George Pickens, remains apparent.
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Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver, George Pickens (#14) makes a one-handed catch against the Cleveland Browns in Week 3 of the 2022 regular season.
In a recent mock draft, former NFL GM turned ESPN analyst, Mike Tannenbaum, weighed in on the Steelers' strategy for their 20th overall first-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. While there was speculation about the Steelers opting for Oregon standout center Jackson Powers-Johnson, Tannenbaum suggests a different course of action.
"The Steelers have dramatically overhauled their QB position with Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, but they also recently traded Diontae Johnson and could use a standout receiver opposite George Pickens. Mitchell had a standout season at Texas after transferring from Georgia, averaging 15.4 yards per catch and scoring 11 TDs. He can fly at 6-foot-2, running a 4.34 at the combine, and I really like this fit."
Tannenbaum's analysis suggests that Texas wide receiver, Adonai Mitchell emerges as a strong candidate for the Steelers' first pick. Mitchell, alongside his college teammate, Xavier Worthy, has been prominently featured in mock drafts. The Steelers have closely monitored Worthy and shown an intense interest in him. However, Tannenbaum believes they should draft Mitchell instead.
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Texas wide receivers Adonai Mitchell (right) and Xavier Worthy (left) celebrate during a game.
Despite Worthy's higher ranking by many pundits, Tannenbaum asserts that Mitchell presents a more fitting choice for the Steelers. This deviation from the expected order adds an intriguing layer to the draft dynamics, sparking speculation and interest among football enthusiasts.
The current draft class boasts an abundance of wide receiver talent, albeit with the Steelers holding the 20th pick, they will miss out on snagging the top prospect, Marvin Harrison Jr. Nevertheless, the opportunity to secure a starting-caliber player at the wide receiver position remains promising.
With the trend indicating a high likelihood of the Steelers opting for a wide receiver in the first round, given their recent acquisitions of players like Jefferson and Watkins, there's still a lingering need for more reliability. The Steelers are seeking a player who can seamlessly integrate into the team, contribute immediately, and make an impact from day one—a challenge they successfully met with their selection of Pickens.
According to ESPN, Mitchell stands tall at 6' 4" and weighs in at 196 pounds, embodying the profile of a dynamic and fleet-footed wide receiver. Tannenbaum listed that Mitchell was 6' 2". Sometimes listed height can vary depending on certain factors. Either way, his performance during the 2023 season was nothing short of impressive, with 55 receptions translating to 845 receiving yards and an impressive tally of 11 touchdowns. The prospect of the Steelers selecting Mitchell is undeniably exciting.
His skill set, characterized by explosive speed and the ability to outmaneuver defenders, holds immense potential for game-changing plays. Mitchell's knack for navigating past the secondary and securing contested catches adds an electrifying dimension to his game. His addition would inject youth and exceptional talent into a Steelers offense eagerly seeking a reliable starting wide receiver.
Steelers' 2024 Draft Has Two Main Goals
While the focus is rightly on securing at least one wide receiver in the draft, the Steelers face another pressing need at the center position. The departure of Mason Cole, who served as the starting center for the Steelers in 2023, has left a significant void in their roster.
Fortunately, the draft pool offers promising prospects who could potentially become the linchpins of the franchise's future. Powers-Johnson, as previously mentioned, has garnered considerable attention from the Steelers brass. However, with the likelihood of selecting a wide receiver in the first round, Powers-Johnson may not be available by the time the Steelers pick again in the second round.
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West Virginia center Zach Frazier holds up a thumb to the crowd after a victory.
This scenario leaves the Steelers contemplating the risk of banking on Zach Frazier from West Virginia, another center they've shown interest in. Ideally, a successful draft for the Steelers would entail securing a starting-caliber wide receiver in the first round and banking on Frazier's availability in the subsequent rounds.
As the anticipation builds among Steeler Nation, all eyes are on the draft, eagerly awaiting the unveiling of the new faces that will grace the Steelers' roster.
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