Even though the Pittsburgh Steelers are coming off their biggest win of the season following their Week 14 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, not everything is sunshine and rainbows. The club showed several red flags throughout the game, but there were also clear signs of improvement. The Ravens nearly won, but Isaiah Likely’s touchdown was called back.
It could be a totally different story if they called that a catch.
At the end of the day, the Steelers won, and they are in first place in the battered AFC North division. It might not be pretty, but they remain in control of their own destiny. Regardless of their playoff status, it’s reasonable to assume they will select between picks 10 and 22 in the upcoming draft. That is where most mock drafts currently have them, and CBS Sports writer Josh Edwards has them at 19.
In Edwards’s latest mock draft after Week 14, he has Pittsburgh taking a unique path.
They remain focused on offense by adding a receiver in the first round of the draft, but it's a name that hasn't been connected to the Steelers much. There’s still a lot of the draft process ahead, but USC’s Makai Lemon has been one of college football’s top weapons and could bolster Pittsburgh’s offense.
Pittsburgh Steelers select WR Makai Lemon in recent CBS Sports mock draft
Pittsburgh must add a legit second receiver to help DK Metcalf. Roman Wilson was just a healthy scratch, so don't be surprised if the Steelers don't envision him as their long-term answer. Adam Thielen and Marques Valdes-Scantling are just placeholders for now. Neither will be back next season, and that could lead to many mock drafts having them take a receiver, as Edwards did.
"D.K. Metcalf is locked in with Pittsburgh long-term, but the team has been searching for a complimentary skillset." Edwards continued, "Makai Lemon is that predominant slot player, who can make plays in space and create yards after the catch."
As Edwards said in his mock draft, the Steelers would be wise to find a strong upgrade at the receiver position. With names like Thielen, Valdes-Scantling, and Calvin Austin III as pending free agents after the season, the receiving corps needs a facelift. Taking Lemon in the first round might be somewhat generous at his point in the draft process, but he has all the tools to succeed.
READ MORE: Aaron Rodgers delivers clear message to Steelers' media after Week 14
According to ESPN’s draft rankings, Lemon is listed as the seventh-best receiver in the class and 43rd overall. Taking him with the 19th pick would be a bold move, as Edwards listed in his mock draft. Lemon is a young, talented playmaker who’s putting up huge numbers in 2025. The bad news is that this season is his first with a giant showing at USC, which could concern some.
Lemon is an explosive player who would help Pittsburgh's offense on day one.
The issue is that this mock draft has him going to the Steelers too early. If they could snag him in the second round, that would be terrific value. Then again, receivers have jumped their draft stock as the pre-draft process plays out. This USC product landing in the first round isn't unreasonable, but there could be better value.