4 blazing-fast receivers Steelers must target in the 2022 NFL Draft
By Shayne Kubas
The receivers stole the show with blazing 40 times on NFL Combine day 1, and the Steelers should take notice. Here’s why several receivers should be on their radar.
The 2022 NFL Combine got off to a fast start on Thursday, and it was mostly due to some very fast wide receivers. It seemed like every other wideout was putting up sub-4.4 times in the 40, even guys who were expected to be closer to the 4.5 range. That being said, 40 times have very little to do with how good a prospect will be in the NFL. Just look at guys like John Ross and former Steeler Dri Archer. Even so, many of the receivers who lit up the track in Indy are very impressive prospects and not just great sprinters.
The Steelers are in the market for another playmaker at receiver, regardless of whether they bring back Juju Smith Schuster. With so many elite athletes available this draft season, they must come away with at least one of them to bolster their passing attack. Here are 4 speedy receivers the Steelers should target.
Steelers would love FCS standout Christian Watson
Christian Watson was already seeing his stock rise after an impressive week at the Senior Bowl, but the North Dakota State product still had a lot to prove in Indianapolis. Not only did he prove himself, but he may have been the biggest winner of the receiver group. He ran a blazing 4.36 40 at 6’4 and 208 pounds, rare speed for a player with that build.
His explosiveness was further highlighted by a strong 38.5’ vertical leap and a monstrous 136’ broad jump, and his work in the drills was impressive to watch. His tape from his time in college is limited due to a high-volume rushing attack, but he averaged 20.4 yards per catch on 105 receptions and 7.5 yards per rush on 49 carries in his career. He is a big play waiting to happen, something the Steelers desperately need in their receiving core.
The bad news for Steelers fans is that Watson is likely to be picked before they select in the 2nd round, which means reaching for him at pick 20 or moving up from pick 52. Neither scenario is likely, but if he were to fall in the 2nd round the same way that DK Metcalf did in 2019, he would be the easy pick.