The Pittsburgh Steelers make an immediate offensive upgrade in Daniel Jeremiah’s first mock draft of the cycle. Published Monday morning, Jeremiah, NFL Network’s lead draft analyst, is pairing a top wide receiver with whoever is going to play quarterback this year. With the 21st pick, he has Pittsburgh selecting Washington WR Denzel Boston.

“The Steelers must find someone to complement DK Metcalf. Boston is another big, physical receiver to play opposite the two-time Pro Bowler,” Jeremiah writes.

In Arthur Smith’s system, drafting a receiver early might not have been palatable. But under a Mike McCarthy offense that will lean more on the position with a spread-out passing attack, having a top-flight No. 2 receiver is key. Pittsburgh’s offense has been held back by having just one quality receiver without a secondary threat for defenses to contend with.

Though this year’s class is deep, Boston stands above others. Literally. At a listed 6-4 and 210 pounds, he’s one of the biggest receivers in the 2026 NFL Draft. On tape, he shows the ability to attack the football and make downfield plays. His biggest question mark could be overall athleticism and consistent separation. How he tests in the pre-draft process will be key.

Spending four years at Washington, he made his last two count. In 2024 and 2025, he caught at least 60 passes for 800 yards and nine touchdowns. For his final year, he hauled in 62 receptions, 881 yards, and 11 touchdowns. His 20 career touchdowns rank eighth in school history.

Elsewhere, Jeremiah’s mock draft is revealing. He has just one quarterback taken in the first round. As expected, he paired Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza to the Las Vegas Raiders with the top pick. Alabama’s Ty Simpson doesn’t crack the top 32.

Boston is just one of four receivers taken in the first round. He was the final name behind USC’s Makai Lemon, Ohio State’s Carnell Tate, and Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson. All four are clustered together between picks 13 through 21.

Look for a full scouting report on Boston in the coming days. And if you missed it, check out our complete Steelers mock draft from earlier in the day.