Steelers select 'stud specimen' in latest mock draft

The Steelers have been very active in free agency this offseason, but they still need another wide receiver after sending Diontae Johnson to the Panthers.

With the available options on the open market not ideal, CBS Sports' Chris Trapasso believes Pittsburgh could turn to the 2024 NFL Draft to address the position.

In Trapasso's latest mock draft, he has the Steelers selecting LSU wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. with pick No. 20.

"The Steelers are rumored to be interested in trading for Brandon Aiyuk," Trapasso writes. "If that mega-trade doesn't happen, they very well could be in the receiver market early in this draft, and Thomas is a stud specimen."

A stud is exactly what Thomas Jr. is after leading the nation with 17 receiving touchdowns in 2023 and posting 68 receptions for 1,177 yards.

The massive 6-foot-4, 205-pound player currently ranks as the fourth-best wide receiver and No. 27 overall prospect on Pro Football Focus' big board, which puts Pittsburgh in a great opportunity to land him if it so chooses.

Pairing Thomas Jr. with George Pickens in the Steelers offense could create one of the best wide receiver duos in the league while also helping whoever is throwing them the football — whether that be 35-year-old Russell Wilson or 25-year-old Justin Fields.

Both quarterbacks are looking to revive their careers in Pittsburgh and could use all the help they can get. 

Wilson seems to have the inside track to start this coming season, but it would be no surprise if Fields saw the field as a starter or in specific offensive packages at some point as well.

There is an argument that the Steelers won't go wide receiver in the first round as they have been arguably the best team in the league at drafting wide receivers outside of the first round. Pittsburgh must also address its offensive line with needs at center and right tackle.

However, if the Steelers want to forego their great track record and add a legitimate playmaker in the first round, Thomas Jr. is an intriguing option.