The Pittsburgh Steelers have entered both the 2024 and 2025 seasons without a wide receiver corps capable of consistently competing with NFL defenses. With an offseason ahead to prepare for their 2026 campaign, Pittsburgh could break that cycle with one draft pick.
Steelers Linked to USC Standout Receiver, Makai Lemon
Outside of Pittsburgh’s $132 million receiver in DK Metcalf, there wasn’t anyone that Aaron Rodgers could look to when things broke down, which, unfortunately, was often for the 2025 Steelers. Metcalf led the team with 850 yards, and then, after Pat Freiermuth and Kenneth Gainwell, was Calvin Austin III (372 yards).
NFL offenses can’t find consistent success if your WR2 has less than 400 yards in a season, and that is where Lemon comes in. At USC, he had a breakout 2025 season with 1,156 yards to pair with 11 touchdowns caught. PFSN’s Jacob Infante has Pittsburgh selecting Lemon with their first-round pick at #21 overall.
Drafting Lemon, according to Infante, could be the difference between a middling offense and one that could actually compete against NFL secondaries: “No matter who lines up at quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2026, they’ll need a more explosive offense. Part of that will come down to whether they can find a reliable wide receiver to pair with DK Metcalf in the starting lineup.”
Austin was relied on for his speed and crisp routes, but his size (5’9″, 162 pounds) capped the options against taller defenders. Lemon isn’t someone akin to Calvin Johnson, but at 5’11” and 195 pounds, he will be less of a liability on deep balls and contested passes.
“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,” stated Infante in his latest PFSN Mock Draft. Those are all characteristics that should absolutely be on the Steelers’ wishlist come the 2026 NFL Draft.
Steelers Never Replaced George Pickens
For a brief moment, following the acquisition of Metcalf via trade during the 2025 offseason, it looked like there would be a frightening pairing of Metcalf with Pickens. That dream fizzled quickly for fans, with Pickens traded to the Dallas Cowboys shortly afterwards.
However, that hole in the offense was never filled. Instead, just as they attempted to do while preparing for the 2024 season, it was a clear WR1 and a collection of pass catchers that would have been purely depth pieces on other rosters.
With a new coaching staff in place and the 2026 NFL Draft being held in Pittsburgh, the Steelers could bring joy to their fans and production to their passing game with one pick. Will Lemon even make it to the 21st pick, or will the Steelers decide, once again, to assemble a receiver group that can get by at best?
