Steelers must keep eyes on these players at the 2023 Senior Bowl

Steelers must watch Xavier Hutchinson, WR Iowa State

The Steelers have been known for drafting and developing wide receivers for a while now. Their rooms were usually thought of as some of the deepest in the league but that has changed heading into this offseason.

Pittsburgh now has two receivers they know are at the 1 and 2 spots on their roster, Dionte Johnson and George Pickens. The rest of the room is a bit of a question mark after them.

They have some veteran options left like Steven Sims, Myles Boykin, Gunner Olszewski, and Anthony Miller, who was injured in training camp and missed all of the 2022 season. They also have speedy Calvin Austin, the team’s fourth-round pick in last year’s draft.

Draft-wise, the Steelers have taken a receiver in rounds two to four in 8 of the last 10 drafts, with 2021 and 2016 being the two exceptions. They love taking receivers and replenishing the youth in the room.

Xavier Hutchinson provides a versatile receiver who can play inside or outside. He has a good release for a bigger body receiver and plays with all the routes in the tree at his disposal., although his speed is not expected to strike fear in the hearts of opposing defensive backs.

His best trait is his ability to highpoint the ball and make the tough, 50/50 catches. He consistently topped the previous year’s production at Iowa State from his freshman to junior seasons.

Pittsburgh would benefit from giving Kenny Pickett all the weapons they can while he is on a rookie contract. Hutchinson provides a big target that can be trusted to make tough catches and be reliable to his quarterback.