With the 2025 NFL Draft just weeks away, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ draft plans remain uncertain. Despite trading for WR DK Metcalf earlier this offseason, CBS Sports’ Josh Edwards still has them selecting WR Luther Burden III in the first round.
“I would not be surprised if George Pickens were moved at some point before the season,” Edwards wrote. “Pittsburgh acquired DK Metcalf and the skill sets overlap. Plus, Aaron Rodgers and Pickens would be an unstable mixture. Luther Burden III is a better match for the Steelers offense.”
Edwards’ reasoning for drafting Burden is that he believes Pickens won’t be with the Steelers come Week One. If Edwards is correct, drafting a wide receiver early makes sense. With a weak wide receiver draft class this year, if the Steelers goal is to replace Pickens, selecting a replacement sooner than later is logical.
The problem with this thinking is the Steelers have given no indication they plan to move on from Pickens before the season. While Pickens may be gone next season he is expected to line up opposite Metcalf. If Pickens is on the roster, drafting a wide receiver this year makes no sense due to the many other needs Pittsburgh has.
However, if Edwards is right and the Steelers trade Pickens, Burden would be a good fit next to Metcalf. Despite taking a step back in 2024, tallying only 61 receptions for 676 yards and six touchdowns compared to 86 catches for 1,212 yards and nine touchdowns in 2023, Burden remains one of the best wide receiver prospects in this draft.
As Steelers Depot’s Steven Pavelka noted in his scouting report, Burden is a strong player who is a yards after catch (YAC) machine. While Metcalf can be the deep threat, Burden can serve as Pittsburgh’s underneath threat who can make people miss and turn a five0yard pass into a 20-yard gain.
My view on this pick depends on whether Pickens is on the roster come Week One. If he is, I don’t like it. There are plenty of other needs to address and replacing Pickens is a decision that can wait until 2026. If they do trade Pickens, Burden is a good pick because they need another wide receiver who can contribute. With a weak wide receiver draft this year, the Steelers must draft one early if they expect him to contribute this season.
