Just one day away from the start of the NFL Draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers are preparing to make their first-round selection. At pick No. 21 overall, Steelers GM Omar Khan could either let the board come to him or, with 12 total draft picks, could couple a few in an effort to move up.
Steelers insider Mark Kaboly believes Khan will take the latter path. In fact, he believes Pittsburgh will couple the 21st and 99th overall picks and trade them to the Detroit Lions. In exchange, the Lions will give them the 17th overall pick and a 2027 seventh-round pick. Then, with the 17th overall draft pick, the Steelers will select Washington wide receiver Denzel Boston.
Denzel Boston to the Pittsburgh Steelers
GettyWR Denzel Boston was named a Third-Team All-Big Ten performer at Washington last season.
Here is what Kaboly had to say on Wednesday via social media about why the Steelers could look to trade up and draft a pass-catcher such as Boston:
“The Steelers have three third-round picks, so a move up in the first round seems like not only a no-brainer but something that is fait accompli…Khan isn’t going to wait around and let this draft come to him. I am quite confident in that, as well as being a receiver.”
Again, the Steelers have more than enough picks with 12, so a trade up would not only be feasible, but it would be an aggressive move that the fans would get behind.
Furthermore, trading up to address an offensive position would be proof that the organization is not messing around in its quest to build a great offense. Unlike former head coach Mike Tomlin‘s defensive background, new head coach Mike McCarthy will be focused more on offense. A talented pass-catcher such as Boston could certainly be the right option for a team that needs a new slot receiver.
The Steelers Need a No. 3 Wide Receiver
GettySteelers head coach Mike McCarthy has made the playoffs 12 times in 18 years as an NFL head coach.
If Kaboly’s prediction ends up being right, it could be a massive selection for McCarthy and the Steelers. This is the case because Pittsburgh needs some more production behind two-time Pro Bowl wide receiver DK Metcalf and two-time 1,000-yard wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. Before trading for Pittman, the only receiver on the roster to eclipse 500 yards receiving last season was Metcalf. Also, no wide receiver on the roster eclipsed 60 receptions. That is a major problem.
Even though Roman Wilson may be considered the team’s No. 3 wide receiver, he has recorded just 12 total receptions for 166 yards across his first two seasons. This position group needs an immediate shot in the arm, which is where Boston could come in. He recorded 60+ receptions and 800+ receiving yards in each of the last two seasons. Furthermore, the 6’4″, 212-pounder was one of three Big Ten receivers to notch at least 11 touchdown catches and 14.0 yards per catch in 2025. Time will tell if the Steelers dare to possibly trade up for him on Thursday night.
Insider Predicts Steelers to Make Shocking First Round Move