The Pittsburgh Steelers, though historically strong, haven’t seen any playoff success in a long time; however, pairing Mississippi State wide receiver Brenen Thompson with DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr. could work magic. The front office made a shrewd move this offseason by acquiring Pittman, and adding more firepower out wide might just be what the team needs.
How does Thompson, the fastest man in this draft class, fit into the picture?
How WR Brenen Thompson Fits With DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr. in Pittsburgh
The Steelers’ top receiver last season was running back Kenneth Gainwell, illustrating a clear need for change, as the back collected 14 more passes than the leading wideout, Metcalf. Understandably, the offense ranked 15th in the NFL in scoring, averaging only 23.4 points per game.
Whether 42-year-old quarterback Aaron Rodgers will return for another season remains a mystery. If he returns, however, having someone like Thompson out wide could be the key to unlocking the full potential of a loaded receiving corps. Thompson stretches the field for Metcalf and Pittman underneath, with tight end Pat Freiermuth adding additional support.
ESPN’s Field Yates holds a similar sentiment about the role that a speedster like Thompson would play in Pittsburgh.
“One of my favorite value moves of the offseason was Pittsburgh trading for wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr., but the team must continue to address that position,” Yates wrote. “Thompson ran the fastest 40-yard dash at the combine (4.26 seconds) and led the SEC in receiving yards this past season (1,054). He can consistently get separation downfield, which will translate well to the next level.”
Thompson, an Oklahoma transfer, was the most lethal deep threat in the SEC in 2025, leading Mississippi State’s receiving corps with 1,054 yards on 57 receptions for six touchdowns. His 18.5 yards per catch speak volumes about his effectiveness under the long ball (82.4 PFSN CFB WR Impact).
PFSN is also a strong believer in the receiver’s role as a deep threat, noting his impressive mechanics:
BE AN NFL GM: PFSN’s Ultimate GM Simulator
“He contends well as a ball-tracker and body-control artist on the vertical plane, and he has the stem IQ and fluidity to create separation not just with his speed, but with nuance in tighter spaces. His lighter frame naturally limits his appeal withstanding contact in the RAC, but as a vertical catalyst, multi-level separator, and open-field RAC threat, he holds merit as a potential Top 100 pick.”
Thompson resembles Tyreek Hill in many ways, and it’ll be interesting to see how his potential will materialize in the NFL.
