Steelers Have Just 2 Real Receiver Options Through The NFL Draft If They Want To Keep George Pickens Happy

The Pittsburgh Steelers have a crucial few weeks in front of them as General Manager Omar Khan and the rest of the front office put together a plan for the 2024 NFL Draft. Pittsburgh's roster has a few glaring holes, as well as areas that need some depth. The offensive line needs some attention, as does wide receiver, due to the Diontae Johnson trade. The Steelers could also use some help at cornerback and along the defensive line, which gives Khan many different ways in which he can attack the 2024 NFL Draft. 

The Steelers have shown a ton of interest in the receiver position throughout the 2024 offseason. They have been named in plenty of trade rumors for big name players like Justin Jefferson and Brandon Aiyuk. So far, the only moves made by Pittsburgh to attempt to fill Johnson's shoes has been signing Van Jefferson and Quez Watkins. They have held pre-draft visits with many receivers who are projected to go in the late first round, all the way through round three, which means Pittsburgh will certainly be in play for a receiver during the first two days of the draft. 

Ray Fittipaldo was asked during his chat on the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette which wide receiver the Steelers could draft that would best complement George Pickens, and he had just two options.

"Of the guys who have visited...[Malachi] Corley, [Ricky] Pearsall."

In total, the Steelers have had six pre-draft visits with wide receivers. Both Ricky Pearsall and Malachi Corley were two of the first three receivers to come to Pittsburgh on a visit. The Steelers are looking for a receiver in the 2024 NFL Draft that can contribute right away. Signing Jefferson and Watkins provides valuable depth, but neither player can be relied upon to be a number two receiver for a whole season. Whatever rookie is brought into the wide receivers room is going to have high expectation set for him, and it is important they are able to complement the Steelers' main target, Pickens. 

Pearsall is the better route runner out of the two receivers Fittipaldo mentioned, which is what the Steelers need. Johnson was the team's best route runner, and now that he is gone, someone will need to take his place and keep defenders on their toes. Pickens can run routes, but he relies more on physicality and his athletic prowess to make plays. A receiver like Pearsall, who is quick off the line would be good on the opposite side of Pickens. 

Corley is not as good of a route runner, but that can certainly be improved once he gets to the NFL level. The best part of his game is his run after catch. When he gets a real head of steam going, he is extremely difficult to bring down. The way he moves with the ball in his hands is similar to Deebo Samuel, which the Steelers could certainly use to take attention away from Pickens. 

Both players should be able to contribute to the Steelers offense immediately, especially if the run game thrives under new Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith. Pickens should have a big year in 2024 with Johnson out of the picture, but whichever rookie the Steelers bring in will need to step up. 

Steelers Will Have Plenty Of Receiver Options On Day 2

All signs are pointing to the Steelers filling the hole at center or right tackle during the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. After that, there will be plenty of quality receivers available on Day 2 in the second and third round, including Corley and Pearsall. In addition to those two, the Steelers also held a pre-draft visit with Xavier Legette, who is expected to be a second round selection. 

The Steelers also held pre-draft visits with Tahj Washington and Luke McCaffrey, who are both expected to be Day 3 selections. Pittsburgh also held a visit with Adonai Mitchell, who will likely be a first round pick and is often compared to Pickens. 

Khan and the Steelers are doing their homework, up and down this draft. It would not be surprising to see the Steelers walk away from the 2024 NFL Draft with two new wide receivers.