History suggests Steelers should wait until third round to draft a wide receiver

The Steelers, if you have not noticed, have never had a plethora of success taking a wide receiver in the first round of the NFL draft since 1994.

They have only had moderate success with first-rounders at best. If you accept they have not had much success with wide receivers in the first round, then you might agree they have even had less success in the second round with wide receivers. Arguably, the top four wide receivers the Steelers ever took in the second going back to the 1970s would be Ron Shanklin, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Antwan Randel-El, Chase Claypool.

The verdict on Claypool is still out; fans will have a better idea about his career after the 2022 season. After those four receivers, the talent level dropped off. The only other notable 2nd rounders are James Washington, Will Blackwell, Jeff Graham, Wayne Capers, and Limas Sweed.

While somewhat debatable, the Steelers had milder success in the 4th round through 1984 with notable players Theo Bell, Calvin Sweney, Weegie Thompson, and, oh yeah, some guy named John Stallworth. Since 1984 the only wide receiver taken in the fourth round who had much potential was Martavis Bryant. Unfortunately, the NFL suspended him in 2016 and 2018 for substance abuse.

However, the 3rd round has been like a gold mine for the Steelers. Especially in the last two decades when it comes to wide receivers. The did not  Of those selected, if he stays with the Steelers, one could make the Hall of Fame, one snubbed by the Hall of Fame, and two others went on to have equally great careers with other teams. Here are the four best receivers to come out of the third round.