Steelers Accused Of Using Recent Top 30 Visit As A Legitimate Smoke Screen

The Pittsburgh Steelers have hosted a variety of players for Top 30 visits over the past few weeks ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft, which featured several at positions of need, like wide receiver, offensive line, and safety. While there were a couple of players who could be first-round picks among the visitors, it seems the Steelers are really taking their time to scout mid-round talent. General Manager Omar Khan has 12 picks at its disposal and wants to make sure it gets them right.

The organization has made it clear that it wants to remain competitive in 2026 and that a rebuild isn't in the cards. This draft will be vital in keeping the team's winning ways. 

Among the Steelers' visitors was University of Washington wide receiver Denzel Boston. Boston is a big-bodied receiver who is projected to be selected towards the end of the first round or very early second round. He's been speculated to be on Pittsburgh's list of draft targets, as the team is looking for another weapon to pair with DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr. 

His skill set is somewhat similar to those two, and he would be a third receiver who is 6'4" on the roster if he were drafted to the Black and Gold. The similar frame and repertoire to other Steelers' receivers would make this an interesting pick. Pittsburgh could use a slot receiver, and Boston is more of an outside guy. 

To many, Boston would be a solid addition, but just not what the Steelers need in terms of intangibles, as their other pass catchers are similar. On an episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, Steelers beat writer Christopher Carter made a bold claim for why the team hosted Boston for a visit. 

"I have a hard time seeing Denzel Boston fit with what they currently have. Maybe this is the head fake," Carter said. "Maybe this is the 'Hey, look over here. We're going to be over here.' Maybe that's what they're trying to do here. And if I'm the Steelers and I'm looking at that and I'm thinking, 'Okay, who am I really targeting?'" 

The Steelers setting up a potential smoke screen here is possible. There are plenty of options at receiver in the first round, and maybe Boston is one that they want other teams to think they're looking into, so they can select who they truly want. It could be a way for other teams to be tempted into taking Boston. This is a strategy often used in the draft, and the Steelers could be employing this tactic. 

There is a plethora of receiving talent that could fall to Pittsburgh in the first round, or they have plenty of capital to trade up for someone they have a lot of confidence in. 

The team has been mocked to go with a variety of receivers at the spot, but it seems like it could use a player who has the ability to play in the slot. Boston is viewed primarily on the outside, and Pittman and Metcalf would both more than likely be used there. The Boston smoke screen could be a reality, unless the Black and Gold make a surprising selection come Day 1. 

Steelers Need Someone To Complement Their Existing Receivers

In 2025, Pittsburgh had a severe lack of receiver depth across the board. Head Coach Mike McCarthy and the front office have made it clear that they want a high-powered offense. They made an aggressive move to acquire Pittman via trade to better the receiver corps. 

Both Metcalf and Pittman have been known to be perimeter players, and adding one of the upper-tier slot prospects would be a smart choice. A name to watch at pick 21 could be Texas A&M's KC Concepcion. His ability to separate and find soft spots in the defense is just what Pittsburgh needs. 

If Pittsburgh goes with a wideout in the first round, it would be a good idea if he could play off of the existing talent. It would be good for the team and the draftee's ability to find playing time. It's just a matter of who. 

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