Steelers Encouraged To Draft Receiver That Resembles One Of Aaron Rodgers' All-Time Favorite Targets

The Pittsburgh Steelers have big decisions ahead of themselves as far as upgrading at the quarterback and wide receiver positions. The black and gold continue the wait for Aaron Rodgers and his decision on his 2025 plans, while the quarterback room is currently left with only Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson. The offense needs another play-maker, though, whether the team searches for another wideout or shifts its focus to the backfield. Assuming Rodgers makes the most logical choice by joining forces with the Steelers, there could be a specific receiver still available when the Steelers on the clock at pick number 21 that Rodgers would love.

One of Rodgers' favorite all-time targets, especially during their time together with the Green Bay Packers, is Randall Cobb. Rodgers and Cobb spent 11 seasons together as teammates. 

Cobb was selected in the second round of the 2011 NFL Draft by Green Bay and would go on to spend his first eight seasons with the Packers. In those eight seasons, Cobb caught 41 touchdowns. His career-most for touchdowns in a single season is 12 which came in 2014. Cobb spent two years away from Rodgers, but then rejoined forces for his final three seasons to conclude his career.

Rodgers has had his fair share of "favorite" receivers. Among Cobb, guys like Jordy Nelson and Davante Adams stick out as some of Rodgers' most consistent and reliable targets over the years. Rodgers had some other strong connections with guys earlier in his career like Donald Driver and Greg Jennings. Even Allen Lazard wound up becoming a favorite of Rodgers later in his tenure. 

If the Steelers want a successful offense with Rodgers under center in 2025, then they will need to find another receiver that Rodgers will be very comfortable with. Most would believe that the pairing of George Pickens and DK Metcalf, along with Pat Freiermuth at tight end, would be more than enough for Rodgers to start slinging it again. 

Recently, former Steelers' defensive back Bryant McFadden and CBS Sports' analyst Ryan Wilson completed a mock draft for Pittsburgh and had them selected a receiver with their twenty-first overall pick. 

"Yeah. Luther Burden III. Don't overthink it," Wilson said. "He's actually six feet. Ran sub-4.4 or sub-4.5 at least. He can move, play in the slot, has return ability. He is different than what George Pickens and DK Metcalf bring. If it's Aaron Rodgers, that will be his Randall Cobb. Done and done."

McFadden showed excitement about the fact that Luther Burden III is a much different receiver than the two starting wideouts in Pittsburgh. Burden is shifty, and a receiver that can excel in either the short pass or long pass game with his speed. Rodgers would have a perfect setup at wide receiver if the Steelers are able to add Burden along with Pickens and Metcalf. 

Some might quickly question if the Steelers really need to add another wide receiver, especially so early in the upcoming draft. There's clear concern about Pickens' long-term future with the Steelers, but for now, it seems he will remain put for another season. 

There's also optimism surrounding Pittsburgh's current number three receiver, Calvin Austin III, a speedster that took a big leap in 2024. If the Steelers select a receiver at pick number 21, then that tells the fan base that they don't fully believe in the current group. 

Steelers Selecting Wide Receiver In First Round Hurts Another Positional Group

By now, most of the fan base in Pittsburgh is aware of the looming issue behind Cam Heyward at defensive tackle. Not only do they need added depth to help out one of the league's best veteran defenders, but the Steelers need to plan ahead for the future and find his successor. 

Pittsburgh currently does not have a second-round pick due to the Metcalf trade, so selecting a receiver in the first round would push back the selection of a defensive tackle until at least the third round, unless another trade is made. 

What do you think of the idea of adding another speedy receiver like Burden? If the Steelers do manage to land a contract with Rodgers, do they need to find another target that resembles any of his former favorites? Let us know in the comments below.

#SteelerNation