The Pittsburgh Steelers desperately need to find a wide receiver in the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft. The team chose to trade Diontae Johnson to the Carolina Panthers earlier this offseason. Not only had Johnson underproduced during his time in Pittsburgh, he had become something of a malcontent. Instead of rising as a leader and mentor to his young teammate George Pickens, he chose to whiff on a block, walk away from a fumble, and complain loudly about his lack of targets, among other things.
The Steelers have often been called "Wide Receiver U" for their ability to draft and shape excellent wide receivers. The trick isn't just knowing who to select, but when to let them go. The Steelers can rarely be accused of holding onto anyone for too long, including megastar Antonio Brown. Now, as the clock clicks closer to this year's draft, a startling comparison has been drawn between Brown and one of the more intriguing receiver prospects of the season, Ladd McConkey.
McConkey, a key player in the University of Georgia's back-to-back CFP National Championships in 2021 and 2022, has left a lasting impression on scouts. His strategic route-running abilities and reliable hands have been lauded. Despite some setbacks due to injuries, McConkey's future remains bright, positioning him as a potential steal in the draft beyond the first round.
On a recent episode of the Cover 1 Podcast, a Buffalo Bills-centric show, guest Dane Brugler from The Athletic discussed the upcoming draft. Brugler made the startling comparison between McConkey and Brown, who was also obtained in a later round.
"I'm going to say his ceiling is like an Antonio Brown. The inside versatility, the ability to catch and run. I mean again, we're talking ceiling, we're talking if everything goes right, he stays healthy, he hits, everything goes right. That's what type of player we're talking about and I understand that's lofty, but hey, that's the ceiling," shared Brugler.
McConkey's NFL Combine stats impressed. While he wasn't the fastest wide receiver, he put up a solid time, running the 40-yard dash in 4.39 seconds, placing him in the top 10. His athleticism was off the charts, with a score of 90. That, combined with his production score of 69, gave him an average of about 80.
He is a crisp route runner, reminiscent of Brown. While he doesn't have the top-level speed that will allow him to escape press coverage, his exceptional footwork helps him to get good separation. He's been called a 'natural catcher' who hangs on through contact. Of course, potential doesn't guarantee success. The Steelers saw something unique in Brown, who they selected in the sixth round in 2010, but luck, along with Brown's incredible work ethic, helped make him the best receiver in the NFL.
"The chances of hitting that ceiling are probably not super high. But I at least think that he has that type of ability because he's super talented. I do think he has a relatively high floor, too. For his floor, I went with a kind of Randall Cobb-type player. Who you know went to a good situation, obviously in Green Bay, and it worked out for him. Maybe not as much of a playmaker as maybe you're looking for in an offense. I'm very optimistic about his floor, but I also think that the ceiling, if he hits everything, I think he'd be pretty special."
McConkey does have some negatives. He is a bit undersized and skinny for the NFL, which has resulted in him struggling to pick up extra yards after contact. In addition, his two injuries last season have caused his stock to drop. One was a lingering back strain that reared its head throughout the season, and the other was a sprained ankle that kept him sidelined for two games.
If Brugler is right, a team, maybe even the Steelers, is set to draft the next Brown.
Steelers' Antonio Brown Angry His Number Is In Circulation
During his nine seasons in Pittsburgh, Brown sported the number 84. He was such a prolific player that he soon became synonymous with 84, to the point where if you asked any Steelers fans who wore 84, they would name Brown.
The Steelers retire few numbers, with only three formally out of circulation. It is well known that they have a host of other jersey numbers that they don't use; they are unofficially retired. Apparently, Brown thought he was one of those, so he was not too happy when he heard they issued it to new return man, Cordarrelle Patterson.
Others came to his defense feeling that Brown had such a huge impact on the team that they shouldn't have given it out. Perhaps the Steelers feel that Brown's departure and post-Steelers antics were enough to keep them from totally honoring his memory.
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