The Pittsburgh Steelers made waves early in the offseason by trading away Diontae Johnson. This move left many Steelers fans speculating that the team had its sights set on acquiring another wide receiver to fill the void left by Johnson's departure. Despite widespread reports and rumors suggesting that the Steelers were poised to make a significant splash in the wide receiver trade market, nothing substantial has materialized. Consequently, pundits now speculate that the Steelers may turn their attention to the upcoming draft to secure another starting-caliber wideout to complement George Pickens.
With the draft brimming with talent and the Steelers having other pressing needs beyond the wide receiver position, attention has turned to ESPN Senior NFL Draft Analyst Mel Kiper Jr.'s insights. Kiper recently conducted his first 2024 NFL Draft media call following the release of his mock draft 3.0. During this call, he unveiled a list of second-tier wide receivers expected to be drafted in the second round—prospects that Kiper believes should encourage the Steelers.
"There's gonna be some second-tier receivers, when you talk about guys like Troy Franklin now from Oregon is more of a second-round draft choice, a guy who's a vertical threat down the field. A Malachi Corley, who's a great run after the catch, a tough kid out of Western Kentucky who will be in that mix as well. Ja'Lynn Polk, another receiver out of Washington who became the guy opposite Rome Odunze, while Jalen McMillan was a little banged up. He's another, would be in that next tier of wide receiver.”
According to Kiper, Troy Franklin out of Oregon is a standout prospect who could be a steal in the second round of the draft. Standing tall at 6' 3", Franklin's exceptional performance during the 2023 college season showcased his immense potential. With an impressive stat line of 81 receptions, 1,383 receiving yards, and 14 touchdowns for the Ducks, Franklin emerged as a pivotal figure in their offense, contributing significantly to their success. If available, he could seamlessly transition into a starting role for the Steelers, bolstering their receiving corps right from the start.
Another intriguing prospect is Malachi Corley hailing from Western Kentucky. Despite his smaller stature at 5' 11", Corley's remarkable talent shone through during the 2023 season, where he demonstrated his ability to find the end zone with 11 touchdowns. Accumulating 79 receptions for 984 yards, Corley's impressive production underscored his potential impact at the next level. While he may not have faced the toughest competition, his skills are evident, making him a sleeper pick who could immediately contribute to the Steelers' offense as a rookie.
Ja'Lynn Polk, representing Washington, thrived amidst stiff competition in the 2023 season. Despite playing in a highly competitive wide receiver room, Polk showcased his ability to find the end zone with nine touchdowns. Standing at 6' 2", he hauled in 69 receptions for 1,159 receiving yards, further highlighting his potential as a difference-maker for the Steelers' offense. With his size, skills, and proven ability to produce in challenging environments, Polk has the capability to significantly elevate the Steelers' offensive capabilities.
Steelers' New Look Offense Needs Some Weapons
The 2024 draft looms large for the Steelers as they undergo significant changes. With the arrivals of quarterbacks Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, along with the appointment of Arthur Smith as the new offensive coordinator and the influx of fresh faces on the offensive coaching staff, the stakes are high.
The pressure mounts to fill the void left by the departure of talented wideout Johnson and secure a receiver who can step in as a reliable target for the upcoming season. Recognizing how imperative this is, the Steelers may opt to draft at least two wide receivers. One early selection, possibly in the second round, would address immediate needs, while seeking out a sleeper pick later in the draft could provide valuable depth.
Despite the recent additions of Quez Watkins and Van Jefferson to bolster the receiving corps, there remains a palpable need for a dependable wide receiver two to provide added assurance and depth for the Steelers' offense in 2024.
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