With draft discussions already underway, debate is heating up over how the Pittsburgh Steelers should use their 21st overall pick in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Pittsburgh has multiple position groups it is expected to address this offseason, most notably quarterback, as 42-year-old pending free agent Aaron Rodgers is unlikely to return next season, and wide receiver, which was probably the least productive unit on the roster this past year.
ESPN NFL Draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. projected the Steelers to address their clear struggles at wide receiver with the 21st overall pick, selecting Denzel Boston, a 6’4″, 209-pound receiver out of Washington.
“Boston runs strong routes and uses his physicality to box out defenders and make plays on the ball. He had 11 touchdowns this past season, including seven in the red zone,” wrote Kiper Jr. “He’d elevate the unit right out of the gate and take some weight off Metcalf.”
GettyWR Denzel Boston.
Why the Steelers Could Target Wide Receiver Early
The Steelers’ wide receiver room showed very little production this past season outside of DK Metcalf.
Through 15 regular-season games, Metcalf recorded 850 receiving yards and six touchdowns, averaging 56.7 yards per game, according to ESPN.
The second-most productive wide receiver on the roster was Calvin Austin III, who finished the regular season with 372 receiving yards and three touchdowns, averaging 26.6 yards per game, per ESPN.
Those numbers highlight a clear hole at the WR2 position. If the Steelers were to draft Boston, the 22-year-old receiver would immediately bolster the wide receiver room and help take attention away from Metcalf, potentially increasing the production of the team’s WR1.
Notably, it will be vital for Pittsburgh to provide its 2026 starting quarterback with more weapons in the passing game, as the position is likely to feature a new face the franchise hopes to set up for success, making the wide receiver unit a logical priority after an underwhelming 2025 season.
GettyBoston has a strong ability to make contested catches.
A Closer Look at Denzel Boston
Boston is regarded as one of the top wide receiver prospects entering the 2026 NFL Draft. With his big frame, a pairing of Metcalf and Boston would give Pittsburgh two large, very athletic receivers who could become a nightmare for opposing defenses.
The Washington product is ranked as the 24th overall prospect on Kiper Jr.’s 2026 draft big board.
“His length and catch radius make life miserable for opposing cornerbacks. And the way Boston quickly finds openings in coverage jumps out on tape, helping him to 14.2 yards per catch on the season. He has Velcro-esque hands, allowing him to go high or low to haul in difficult receptions,” wrote Kiper Jr.
The Steelers may have other notable options at the 21st pick, but passing up the chance to pair two 6’4″ receivers in Boston and Metcalf might be too good to pass up.
GettyWR DK Metcalf.
Steelers Projected to Draft Lengthy WR in Kiper’s 2026 Mock