"In Play": Steelers Eyeing Dynamic Prospect With 21st Overall Pick

The Pittsburgh Steelers will be looking to defend an AFC North title come the 2026 regular season. Somehow, the team figured out how to get the job done with a record of 10-7, but a lot has changed since the embarrassing playoff loss to the Houston Texans. Mike McCarthy is now the head coach, and will bring a new philosophy to the organization. An offensive-minded leader will be running the show, which has fans in the Steel City excited. The unit has a legitimate chance to be the most dynamic it has been in several years. There are, however, a couple of missing pieces.

General Manager Omar Khan seemed to adhere to McCarthy's desire to have big-bodied wide receivers, as the franchise traded for Michael Pittman Jr. just prior to the new league year beginning. The pass-catcher was even given a new three-year extension that is set to pair him with DK Metcalf for the foreseeable future. As the 2026 NFL Draft nears, the Steelers only have two other wideouts, Roman Wilson and Ben Skowronek, under contract.

It might not be the team's biggest need anymore due to the acquisition of Pittman; however, it isn't going to surprise anyone if Pittsburgh takes a wide receiver in the first or second round. The front office could even double-dip and take two on the first two days. Rumors have been swirling, and a credible report came to the surface on Monday that has to intrigue Steelers fans.

Tony Pauline is an NFL insider and reporter who often gives scoops on what may be going on behind closed doors. In a recent piece, he noted that Khan and Co. are allegedly eyeing Indiana University wideout Omar Cooper Jr.

"I’m told Cooper is in play for the Pittsburgh Steelers at pick No. 21 despite trading for Michael Pittman, and the New York Jets are also high on the speedy wideout, though they would only consider him with the 33rd pick."

Many believe that the Steelers need to go after a slot pass-catcher, and Cooper might fit that mold perfectly. He stands at roughly 6'0" and is known for his quick twitch off the line of scrimmage. Pauline mentioned that there are many decision-makers out there who are liking the prospect of having a guy like Cooper.

"Cooper is building momentum amongst scouts and receiver coaches. He’s athletic and is a terrific pass catcher with a developing game, and people boast about his character. Cooper has spoken with every team from pick 18 to 36. The Carolina Panthers, who own the 19th selection, are bringing Cooper in for an official-30 visit."

The Carolina Panthers may not allow Cooper to get to Pittsburgh. A report such as this could be put out into the atmosphere to give the Steelers a hint that trading up might be necessary.

Drama will continue to build as the NFL Draft inches closer. The Steelers could target an offensive guard or safety in the first round as well, but the receiver class is deep. 

Typically, that means Pittsburgh could grab a franchise cornerstone at the position in the early 20s. Cooper will be someone to keep an eye on as the front office continues to solidify an offense that projects to be much more dynamic than it has been in recent years due to McCarthy's prowess as a play-caller.

Steelers Could Flip The Script On The Wide Receiving Corps

Pittsburgh's offensive strength of late has not been its pass-catching group. A trio of Metcalf, Pittman and Cooper might change the narrative around the unit entirely. While Wilson is expected to get some sort of chance with the new regime in town, selecting a young wideout that can get open and create separation is not going to be overlooked. Now, as the big event inches closer, it appears as if the Steelers are starting to truly hone in on a few specific playmakers.

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