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Steelers Make Their Interest In Texas Wide Receiver Xavier Worthy Obvious
Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

The Pittsburgh Steelers have made their eagerness for another wide receiver to complement George Pickens abundantly clear. This need arises from the Steelers' decision to trade away their star wideout, Diontae Johnson. 

While the addition of Van Jefferson adds depth to the wide receiver corps, there remains a void for another starting-caliber player. Tony Pauline's report from the Texas Pro Day revealed extensive discussions between the Steelers and star wide receiver Xavier Worthy. Further highlighting the team's pursuit of additional offensive firepower.

"Worthy was with the Cowboys on Tuesday night after spending the bulk of Monday afternoon with the Bears, Texans, and Patriots. After practice Wednesday, he met extensively with the Steelers and Colts."

Mel Kiper Jr. has positioned Worthy as the 14th best prospect in this year's draft class, further emphasizing his value. Additionally, Worthy ranks as the fifth-best wide receiver prospect overall, solidifying his status as a highly coveted talent. Worthy's college teammate, Adonai Mitchell, is also a notable prospect, ranking seventh among wide receivers. However, the Steelers have focused their attention squarely on Worthy.

Pauline delved deeper into his analysis of Worthy's Pro Day, providing valuable insights into the wide receiver's potential impact at the professional level.

"The explosive receiver tipped the scales at 169 pounds, four more than his combine weight. Worthy then looked terrific in position drills. He ran great routes, translated his track speed onto the field and caught everything thrown to him. His hands were very impressive, as Worthy consistently snatched the ball away from his frame and had no bobbles."

Worthy, standing at 6' 1", emerged as a dynamic wide receiver during his time at Texas, showcasing his versatility and playmaking abilities on the field. In the 2023 season, he recorded impressive stats with 75 receptions, totaling 1,014 receiving yards, and reaching the end zone five times. His production in 2023 highlights his knack for making impactful contributions to the offense.

With the 20th overall pick in the 2024 draft, the Steelers find themselves in a pivotal position, potentially targeting Worthy if he's still available. However, they also have pressing needs at center, with several mock drafts projecting them to address this position in the first round. This strategic approach suggests the Steelers may opt for a wide receiver in round one, banking on one of the targeted centers being available in the second round.

In a significant development, Gerry Dulac's report indicates that the Steelers are far from finished in the free agency and trade markets. According to Dulac, the team is actively pursuing a deal with a prominent wide receiver behind the scenes. Should this negotiation materialize, it could alter their draft strategy, potentially diminishing the urgency to select Worthy in the first round. Steelers fans eagerly await the unveiling of new additions to the team during the 2024 NFL Draft, anticipating the impact of these acquisitions on Pittsburgh's roster.

Steelers' Russell Wilson Needs One More Toy

The Steelers have embarked on a surprising offseason journey, deviating from their typical conservative approach to make bold and impactful moves. This departure from tradition has injected a sense of urgency and excitement among Steelers fans, marking a departure from the status quo. 

One of the standout maneuvers was the decision to trade Kenny Pickett, signaling a willingness to take calculated risks in pursuit of success. Additionally, the acquisition of nine-time Pro Bowler and Super Bowl champion Russell Wilson sent shockwaves through the league, solidifying the Steelers' commitment to shaking things up.

But the Steelers' quarterback overhaul didn't stop there. In a move reminiscent of past coups, they orchestrated a strategic acquisition of Justin Fields from the Chicago Bears. While Wilson is slated to assume the starting role, speculation abounds regarding Fields' potential as the franchise's future cornerstone. As reports surface suggesting the possibility of Fields challenging Wilson for the starting position as the season progresses, the quarterback dynamics within the team add an intriguing layer of anticipation to the upcoming season.

Amidst the quarterback saga, Steelers fans eagerly await the unfolding of the 2024 season, eager to witness the performances of their new signal-callers. With a keen eye on the team's quarterback situation, fans also harbor hopes of further bolstering the roster, particularly at the wide receiver and center positions. The potential addition of another impact player in these areas, whether through the draft or a strategic trade, could elevate the Steelers' offseason to historic proportions. These offseason moves set the stage for a thrilling and transformative year ahead.

This article first appeared on SteelerNation.com and was syndicated with permission.

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