After a huge in-division victory this past Sunday against the Baltimore Ravens, the Pittsburgh Steelers playoff hopes are very much alive, now with sole possession of the best record in the AFC North. Even with the Steelers season still being very much alive, it is never too early to talk about the draft.
The 2026 NFL Draft is steadily approaching, and it’s shaping up to be a crucial one for Pittsburgh. The team has several positions it could look to address in the first round, but in his latest mock draft, NFL Draft analyst Field Yates projects that they’ll focus on improving their passing attack, selecting USC standout wide receiver Makai Lemon with the 20th overall pick.
“Lemon has one of the best catch radiuses I’ve studied over the past three classes, and he has dropped the ball only once in each of his three seasons. It would not shock me if he goes a few spots higher than this in April,” wrote Yates.
The USC product delivered a highly productive 2025 season for the Trojans. Through twelve games, Lemon totaled 79 receptions, 1,156 receiving yards, and 11 touchdowns (ESPN).
He is no stranger to piling up yardage either, surpassing 150 receiving yards in four of his twelve games (ESPN).
GettyMakai Lemon is projected to be a first round pick.
Why Lemon Makes Sense For Pittsburgh
Although the team is above .500 and currently leading the division race, there’s no question that the black and yellow have dealt with their share of issues this season, with one of the biggest being the limited production from the wide receiver room.
“Besides DK Metcalf, the Steelers do not have a receiver that strikes fear into opposing defenses. Pittsburgh is one of two teams with fewer than 100 catches from wide receivers this season (97),” wrote Yates.
Besides Metcalf, Pittsburgh’s top wide receivers include Calvin Austin III and Roman Wilson. Austin, the team’s second-most productive wideout, has 309 receiving yards in 11 games, while Wilson, the third-most productive, has 166 receiving yards through 12 games (ESPN).
Even Metcalf, who is by far the most productive player in Pittsburgh’s passing game, has not had a particularly consistent season. Yes, he’s coming off a very strong 148-yard performance in Sunday’s win over Baltimore, but the Steelers haven’t seen that level of production on a regular basis. Before his standout performance against the Ravens, Metcalf hadn’t topped 55 receiving yards in his previous seven games.
GettySteelers WR DK Metcalf.
Another Possible Wide Receiver Steelers Could Draft
If the Steelers do target a wide receiver in the first round, there are several other names to consider.
Another realistic option is Carnell Tate from Ohio State. Through ten games this season, Tate has recorded 48 receptions for 838 receiving yards and 9 touchdowns (ESPN).
“He has very good size, runs terrific routes and can make contested catches,” wrote Yates.
GettyWR Carnell Tate.
Steelers Predicted to Select Star Wide Receiver in Draft