Pittsburgh Steelers could look to NFL Draft to replace Antonio Brown

Adam Schefter reports that a deal for the Steelers to trade Antonio Brown could be in place by Friday.

If they don’t get a return for him at the wide receiver position, the 2019 NFL Draft is next month.

Mark Kaboly of the Athletic reports that the Steelers did their due diligence on Brown’s cousin, Marquise “Hollywood” Brown, but also suggests that the organization may be a bit wary of his close ties to the soon-to-be-former Steeler, who has made comments critical of the team and quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.

Marquise Brown has been a star at the college level, but, as Antonio proved, you don’t have to be to be successful in Pittsburgh. The older Brown was a sixth-round draft pick that turned out pretty well for the Steelers, so they don’t necessarily have to go big or go home regarding picking a receiver this April, especially when other areas, especially on defense, need more help more urgently.

As a homer Nebraska Cornhuskers fan, allow me to make the case for Stanley Morgan, Jr., who earned a prospect grade of 5.50, or “chance to become NFL starter.”

Morgan played four years at Nebraska, playing through the entirety of the Mike Riley era before having a breakout senior season under first-year coach Scott Frost.

He broke the 1,000-yard mark by four yards last season, doing so on 70 receptions, a marked improvement from the 33 receptions and 453 yards of his sophomore season.

At 6’0 and 202 pounds, he is slightly taller and heavier than Antonio Brown, which could give the Steelers a bit more physicality on offense, and his 4.53 40-yard dash time isn’t anything to scoff at. Even if you aren’t wowed by that, his height, weight, and speed could spell a future at tight end, where he could compete against Vance McDonald and Jesse James for the top tight end spot.

An NFC scout is not as sold:

"“He’s draftable but just a guy for me. I think you can find those guys anywhere. If he finds the right situation he might play for awhile.”"

Who’s to say the Steelers can’t get their act together soon and be that right situation?

I’m not saying sell the farm to draft the guy, but if he’s still there in later rounds after more pressing needs have been taken care of, the Steelers could do a lot worse than Stanley Morgan.