The Pittsburgh Steelers haven’t used a first-round pick on a wide receiver in nearly two decades. That drought could finally end in April. As the 2026 NFL Draft picture starts to take shape, one prominent analyst sees Pittsburgh making a statement pick to help its offense.
With questions at quarterback and a clear need for another playmaker, the Steelers are already being linked to one of college football’s most productive pass catchers.
Daniel Jeremiah Connects Pittsburgh to Washington WR Denzel Boston
NFL Media analyst Daniel Jeremiah slotted Washington wide receiver Denzel Boston to the Steelers with the No. 21 overall pick in his first 2026 mock draft. The logic was simple and direct.
“The Steelers must find someone to complement DK Metcalf,” Jeremiah wrote. “Boston is another big, physical receiver to play opposite the two-time Pro Bowler.”
Boston enters the draft after a strong and resilient final season with the Huskies. Despite battling an ankle injury, the 6-foot-4, 210-pound wideout finished 2025 with 62 receptions for 881 yards and 11 touchdowns. Add in his earlier production, and Boston leaves college with 1,781 receiving yards and 21 total touchdowns, combining receiving and rushing scores.
That size-production profile is exactly what Pittsburgh has lacked. After acquiring Metcalf from Seattle, the Steelers still struggled to find a consistent second option. Metcalf led the team with 59 catches for 850 yards and six touchdowns, but defenses were able to key on him without much fear elsewhere.
Boston’s game offers a potential solution. He wins with strength at the catch point. He stretches the field. He runs a full route tree. And he’s comfortable playing through contact, traits that tend to translate well to the AFC North.
Jeremiah’s mock had Boston as the fourth receiver off the board, following USC’s Makai Lemon, Ohio State’s Carnell Tate, and Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson. Still, evaluators believe Boston could climb. Tyson’s injury history, in particular, could reshuffle that group as the process continues through the combine and all-star circuit.
There are still significant questions for Pittsburgh. Who will be throwing the ball remains unclear. Aaron Rodgers, now 42, is weighing his future. If he moves on, the Steelers could be forced to look toward the draft in a weak quarterback market.
Even so, Boston’s potential fit stands out. He would enter a locker room with familiar faces, including former Washington teammates Carson Bruener and Troy Fautanu. He’d also step into a defined role from Day 1, tasked with easing pressure on Metcalf and giving the offense more balance.
Mock draft season is early. A lot will change. But if Pittsburgh wants to break a long trend and invest heavily at receiver, Denzel Boston is quickly emerging as a name to watch.
