Steelers Urged To Flip George Pickens For Second-Rounder To Secure Top WR Prospect

The Pittsburgh Steelers struggled during the 2024 season without a second top wide receiver to partner with George Pickens. They solved that problem with their blockbuster trade for DK Metcalf. The Metcalf trade and Pickens' antics have created questions about what Pittsburgh will do in 2025. Will they draft a receiver with their first-round pick at 21st overall? Will they keep Pickens for the final year of his rookie deal and have a two-headed contested catch monster for whoever is their quarterback? Or will they choose to trade Pickens away?

Mike DeFabo from The Athletic recently joined Christopher Carter from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette on his podcast, Locked on Steelers. The two discussed the Steelers' recent visit with Ohio State receiver Emeka Egbuka during their Pro Day. DeFabo said that he had Egbuka mocked to the Steelers earlier this offseason before the trade for Metcalf. DeFabo believes the Steelers will attempt to draft a defensive lineman with that first pick.

Carter said that Egbuka performed solidly during his Pro Day. While he wasn't the fastest or the biggest wide receiver, he is very consistent. Egbuka's biggest asset is his intangibles: outstanding character, work ethic, and leadership. While some hope the Steelers draft Egbuka and move on from Pickens, DeFabo said he feels that is more likely if one of these better receivers falls into the second round, and he thinks that is very possible. While Egbuka is a good player, this wide receiver class is "underwhelming." DeFabo said it seems more likely the Steelers will try to recoup the pick they spent on Metcalf by trading Pickens for a second-round pick and grabbing Egbuka or Luther Burden III with that new pick. 

"Here's another example," added DeFabo. "That Luther Burden, I don't think he's going to go first round. I don't think the Steelers have a first-round grade on him, so that drops another guy that was once considered. There's been some buzz on him. Here's the other thing: if you trade away George Pickens, when he signs his deal, I think the conversation starts with a second-round pick. That's how I would approach things if I were the GM, you're offering me a second-round pick and I don't have one right now."

Egbuka is the Buckeyes' all-time leading receiver in receptions with 205 and receiving yards at 2,868. He did that while sharing the field with some other elite receivers, including Marvin Harrison Jr., Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Chris Olave, and Garrett Wilson. 

Burden, out of Missouri, is often compared to Wilson. Like Egbuka, he isn't the fastest guy on the field, but he has excellent ball skills and separation. His college success often came in the form of yards-after-catch from shorter throws. 

Steelers Expected To Build Up Their Trenches

DeFabo and Carter believe the Steelers, via Andy Weidl, are trying to build up the team's trenches on both sides of the ball. Weidl is credited with helping the Philadelphia Eagles build their Super Bowl-winning teams. That is a big part of why they feel the team will go with a defensive lineman in the first-round. 

Since hiring Weidl, the team has primarily focused on the offensive line. However, after losing some players and with Cameron Heyward getting older, many think they will turn their attention to the defense. 

The Steelers haven't taken a wide receiver in the first round since 2006, when they selected another Ohio State alumnus, Santonio Holmes. Instead, the Steelers have typically found some diamonds in the rough, like Antonio Brown in the sixth round, and Pickens in the second.  

Do you think the Steelers could trade Pickens to get a second-round pick, only to use it to get a rookie receiver? Tell us what you think below!

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