The Pittsburgh Steelers have had a lot of talented, interesting characters at the wide receiver position over the years. That said, they haven’t drafted particularly well at the position recently. Even though this year’s draft class is relatively deep at the position, the Steelers opted for a major upgrade via trade instead. Yahoo Sports’ Jori Epstein thinks the Steelers’ recent track record in the draft influenced them to make the bold trade for DK Metcalf.
“When I look at who the Steelers have taken at receiver recently, it’s been a while since I think we should feel great about the way the Steelers have drafted at receiver,” Epstein said, via the Yahoo Fantasy Forecast. “If I’m them, and I’m like, I need a receiver, but I don’t trust my ability to go get it, I should probably get one in free agency.”
Metcalf was brought in via trade but with the massive contract the Steelers gave him, it might as well have been free agency. Epstein’s point is an interesting one, but it does make sense. Although it feels like the Steelers have always had talent at the position (aside from the 2024 season), their recent track record in the draft isn’t impressive.
Last April, they grabbed Roman Wilson in the third round. Given their lack of depth, it would have been excellent had he been able to contribute. Unfortunately, an injury sabotaged his season. In 2022, to the Steelers’ credit, they did hit on George Pickens in the second round. They also selected Calvin Austin III in the fourth round. Austin has shown glimpses but has yet to put it all together.
Aside from them, their most recent draft picks at WR are Chase Claypool, Diontae Johnson and James Washington. Sure, they got some production, at times, from those options. Yet, it’s fair to say none of them are in the prime of their careers right now.
Hence, a trade for DK Metcalf makes sense, at least on the surface. The likelihood that the second-round pick they traded ends up being better than Metcalf is low. However, there are still some obstacles ahead.
For one, they don’t have a quarterback. Also, they now have two temperamental receivers in the same room, and Pickens is going into the final year of his rookie deal. After this season, they’ll still be forced to make an important decision at the position anyway.
There is a chance it all works out, and the Steelers have one of the best receiving duos in the NFL, at least for now, while eliminating one need from their to-do list. And the fact that Metcalf is a proven player, instead of potentially another failed draft pick at the position, is encouraging.
