As they wait for a decision about a possible return of Aaron Rodgers, the Pittsburgh Steelers added to their wide receiver group. Michael Pittman Jr. was acquired via trade and will pair with DK Metcalf, but logic says another addition would be welcome in Pittsburgh.
Steelers Could Target USC WR Makai Lemon in the First Round
Over the past decade, the Steelers were known for drafting wide receivers and developing them into good players. But this changed in the 2020s, with the position becoming a point of concern. The revolving door of quarterbacks who started games after Ben Roethlisberger retired didn’t help the passing offense.
Getting Metcalf from the Seattle Seahawks was an improvement: He was a true No. 1 receiver and a difference-maker in 2025. Pittman is also a good addition, but he seems to be past his prime. As such, PFSN’s recent mock draft by Jacob Infante has the Steelers using the 21st pick to select Makai Lemon, a wide receiver from USC.
“After trading for Michael Pittman Jr. this offseason, the Pittsburgh Steelers have an improved wide receiver duo to boost their lackluster offense. However, the move was more of a salary dump by Indianapolis than anything. If the right value is there at No. 21, don’t rule out the Steelers picking up another receiver.”
Lemon is the third wide receiver taken in Infante’s mock draft. Carnell Tate and Jordyn Tyson were picked before the USC product. It’s a deep class at the position, and the trio is widely expected to be selected on the first night.
Our PFSN CFB WR Impact Metric was very impressed with Lemon throughout the year. He was ranked as No. 4 with an 85.1 grade, ahead of names such as Tate and superstar sophomore Jeremiah Smith. Infante believes that his style of play could represent a new sauce for the Steelers, with Metcalf and Pittman working as the X and Z receivers.
“Makai Lemon was an All-American in 2025 with 79 catches, 1,156 yards, and 11 touchdowns. He is a sure-handed slot receiver who’s quick after the catch and consistently gets open against both man and zone coverage with sharp breaks and good leverage work through his stems.”
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The most pressing issue for Pittsburgh is to know who will be its quarterback in 2026. As they await Aaron Rodgers to decide his future, the Steelers know that, apart from Fernando Mendoza, the projected No. 1 overall pick, there’s no other quarterback who’s worthy of the 21st pick in this class.
With Metcalf, Pittman, and Lemon on the same roster, this could be enough incentive for one last ride for Rodgers.
