The Pittsburgh Steelers have a lot of work to do in the 2026 NFL Draft, as their previous efforts to get older and more experienced did not work out well for them. They desperately need to get younger and better, and it starts with the 2026 Scouting Combine. Many prospects will have their draft stock soar, and others could end up in a free fall. This isn't the end-all be-all for General Manager Omar Khan and his scouting department, but this could be a big test to see exactly where everyone is physically.
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Steelers General Manager Omar Khan speaks to members of the media during a press conference at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, IN.
Popular draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. is already fascinated by one big wide receiver prospect, and he projects that this player could push himself into being a first round-caliber wide receiver, which is primarily what the Steelers are looking for.
"Tennessee wide receiver Chris Brazzell II will run something in the ballpark of 4.47 in the 40-yard dash and push himself into the first-round conversation," Kiper said. "I love his 6-foot-5 size, sure hands, overall toughness and strength at the catch point. But NFL front offices will be paying close attention to his timed speed. He's quicker than you'd expect out of his breaks at that size, but showing good straight-line speed will round out his scouting report. He's the type of player who might rise over the next few weeks as teams get a closer look at his tape."
In his junior year in college, Chris Brazzell II led the entire SEC in touchdowns with nine, to go along with over 1,000 receiving yards. He proved himself to be a big-play threat, which is something that the Steelers want to see more of. Kiper has him as the sixth best wide receiver currently, but if his stock rises as much as Kiper believes, then the Tennessee Volunteers product could end up being drafted at 21 overall.
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Chris Brazzell II runs with the ball after a catch during a home game for the Volunteers in Knoxville, Tennessee.
At 6'5", it would be very hard for any cornerback to beat Brazzell to the point of attack. He's practically a skinnier, faster tight end, and with his speed, he would be a complete nightmare to go up against. Combine that with his supposedly explosive breaks, and you have a wide receiver that should not have a problem creating separation and getting open on a regular basis.
Pairing him with DK Metcalf would keep opposing defensive coordinators up at night. They could keep double-teaming Metcalf all they want, but that means that some likely undersized defensive back will have to deal with Brazzell one-on-one. Once they try to double him up, the veteran wideout will get to show off his talents again. If defenses double-cover both, another explosive player like Pat Freiermuth will get more opportunities to shine.
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Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf (4) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025 in Dublin, Ireland.
Even if Brazzell does not rise as much as Kiper projects, there's always the chance that the Steelers don't draft wide receiver in the first round, which would open up the opportunity to select the Volunteers star in the second round. There is also the idea that they could double-up on star wideouts. Either way, there are plenty of scenarios that could lead to Pittsburgh selecting another physical freak.
Steelers Need To Keep Loading Up On High-End Talent
Obviously, the Steelers' quarterback situation is still a complete mess, and there may not be a good option to fix it in 2026. The best thing that they can do to help whoever is under center is load the offense up as much as they can, so the signal-caller will have multiple options to throw to, as well as plenty of time to make these decisions.
What do you think about the Steelers potentially drafting Brazzell? Let us know in the comments or on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.
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