2026 NFL Draft Steelers Analysis
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf at minicamp on June 12, 2025. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now
When you look at the Pittsburgh Steelers roster, both from a short-term and long-term lens, it’s easy to come to the conclusion that the wide receiver position is one of their top needs moving forward. We know that DK Metcalf figures to be the engine of the Steelers passing game, but outside of that lie more questions than answers. At this stage of the calendar, it’s possible that the organization isn’t able to acquire a legitimate counterpart for 2025 and is forced into rolling with what they have. If that outcome becomes reality, the Steelers front office will likely be searching for talent in the 2026 NFL Draft, especially considering that Calvin Austin III is entering the final year of his rookie contract.
Metcalf, one of the game’s premium explosive-play generators, isn’t quite as well-rounded as other top dogs around the league are, thus making finding him an appropriate complement all the more necessary. During the summer scouting phase, I’ve been working on identifying collegiate playmakers that could fill in the gaps of what is currently missing on the Steelers offense. It’s fascinating to think about the different archetypes that the franchise could target: route runners, run-after-catch threats, or big-bodied possession receivers, but the non-negotiable element is that they’ve got to be able to function outside.
As necessary context, think of this as more of a watch list instead of a set of rankings, and there are reasons for that. While the 2026 NFL Draft wide receiver class lacks a surefire top pick heading into the season, Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson would be the player that I’d feel most comfortable betting on finishing as WR1 and deserving of round-one draft capital. Because of that, he’s likely going to be out of the Steelers range, knowing that the need for a franchise quarterback supersedes the importance of adding another playmaker.
Today, we’re going to break down some of the other more intriguing wideouts to keep an eye on this upcoming fall.
PITTSBURGH STEELERS 2026 NFL DRAFT WIDE RECEIVER TARGETS
Makai Lemon, USC
Makai Lemon, Katie Chin / USC Athletics
After watching over a dozen receivers for this particular exercise, Lemon was definitely the most surprising watch on film, which left me pretty bullish on his NFL outlook. He’s a guy that can get his own bucket in isolation with an enticing blend of quickness, burst off the ball and top-end speed stack defenders over the top.
Lemon catches everything (just 1 drop last season), instantly transitions to being a runner and uses his return man skills to create explosive plays. Because 85% of his snaps came inside, many will typecast him into that role, but his ability to beat press effectively as a true sophomore suggests that he’s capable of being a moveable weapon. Subtle improvements are needed in terms of playing through contact, after his clearing the 3.0 yards per route run threshold last season, his ceiling definitely intrigues me.
Denzel Boston, Washington
Denzel Boston — Washington Athletics
Boston had to wait his turn behind three proven wideouts, but as they departed for the NFL, the 6-foot-4, 209-pound junior quickly burst onto the scene during his junior season. He’s a long strider that covers ground in a hurry, tracks the football extremely well with plus body control and a vast catch radius that makes for easy aerial adjustments.
There’s a smoothness to his movement patterns that you grow to appreciate the longer you watch him play, but at the same time, he brings a rugged play style with physicality that shines in the red zone area. There’s a level of nuance to his game with the way that he sets up his routes, particularly on double moves, to create space for himself. After becoming the focal point of opposing defenses scouting reports, his production took a nosedive over the second half of the season, which is worth monitoring. But Boston is a good player with the traits to become an even better one.
The Steelers should be very familiar with his game, with Seattle-based scout Mark Bruener paying close attention to the team, and the Steelers drafting tackle Troy Fautanu and linebacker Carson Bruener from the Huskies over the last two seasons.
Antonio Williams, Clemson
Antonio Williams, Clemson Athletics
After showing a ton of promise as a freshman, Williams bounced back with a very productive campaign in 2024, establishing a trustworthy connection with Cade Klubnik. He’s a shifty underneath route runner that can get in and out of breaks efficiently, understands how to manipulate defenders at the break point versus off-coverage, and he plays bigger than his size would suggest. Williams is a chain mover that can make the first guy miss after the catch and keep an offense ahead of schedule. His spatial awareness is a plus, something that pops versus zone coverage and in the scramble drill. He’s already a pretty well-rounded pass catcher, but I find myself questioning if there’s another level to unlock within his game. If so, he’s a player that will assuredly improve his stock.
Elijah Sarratt, Indiana
Elijah Sarratt — Indiana Athletics
Sarratt made the decision to follow head coach Curt Cignetti to Indiana, and he continued to prove the doubters wrong, racking up another 957 receiving yards and eight touchdown grabs. He’s a pure possession receiver with good size, is a contested catch marvel that knows to attack the ball at the apex, and has been nearly automatic on back-shoulder fades. I’m a fan of his competitive toughness, how he plays through contact throughout the rep, and his willingness to go over the middle of the field on in-breakers.
His lack of explosiveness hinders his separation ability to an extent, but he does so much of the little stuff well that he still projects as a useful boundary receiver at the next level. Sarratt gets an upgrade at quarterback next season with Fernando Mendoza in town, and there’s a chance for some real fireworks between the duo. His journey from 0-star recruit to legit NFL prospect is one of the more inspiring stories in this class.
Germie Bernard, Alabama
Germie Bernard — Alabama Athletics
You’ve probably heard the mantra of building your receiver room like a basketball team consisting of different skill sets, and every team needs a tough guy that thrives off doing the dirty work. For Alabama, that player is Germie Bernard. He’s an awesome blocker that is relied upon heavily in the run game to dig out safeties and is even more impressive out in space but also adds a good amount of value in the passing game.
Bernard is a nuanced route runner that understands how to manipulate defenders at the top of the route with head fakes and excels in the intermediate area of the field. His density shows up when taking on collisions post-catch and also when trying to shake off potential tacklers once he gets the ball in his hands. Are there other prospects in this class with a higher ceiling? Sure. But Bernard’s competitive toughness signals a lengthy professional playing career, with him being a fit for virtually every system.
Mentioned In This Article: 2026 NFL Draft Antonio Williams Denzel Boston DK Metcalf Germie Bernard Makai Lemon NFL Draft Steelers top