The Pittsburgh Steelers need more firepower on offense for head coach Mike McCarthy, and the 2026 NFL draft has no shortage of options for them to pick from. Whether it's at No. 21, No. 53, or one of their three third-round picks, they are expected to take at least one receiver early to play with DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr.
At their pre-draft press conference on Monday, McCarthy and general manager Omar Khan spoke at length about their process for the draft, and McCarthy made a notable comment about what he looks for in a slot receiver in particular.
"Well, I mean, number one, you start with the physical traits. I think inside and outside, historically, when you talk about (slot) wide receiver, is can a guy run an option route. I always look for a guy who can win outside the numbers... I just never ever viewed having a smaller receiver to run slot plays... When you can move players around, you can challenge a defense and create more matchups..."
If McCarthy is looking for a receiver who has true inside-out versatility, there is one prospect who I believe fits that mold who could be available at 21: Indiana's Omar Cooper Jr.
Mike McCarthy's receiver comments point to Pittsburgh Steelers targeting Omar Cooper Jr.
Cooper Jr. is exactly the kind of player McCarthy talked about in his press conference, and he could very well be on the board at pick 21. He is well-built at 6'0" and 204 pounds, and he spent nearly identical time on the outside (51.2%) and the inside (48.2%) while at Indiana. He is excellent at running out-breaking routes from multiple spots, and he has the toughness and tackle-breaking ability to turn short receptions into big gains.
He definitely fits best in the slot at the next level, in my opinion, but his experience on the outside would give McCarthy the flexibility to move Metcalf and Pittman Jr. around like he seems to want to do.
It's possible that Cooper Jr. is gone by pick 21, along with guys like Carnell Tate, Makai Lemon, and Jordyn Tyson. Texas A&M WR KC Concepcion could be another guy with the versatility to move around the formation, but he doesn't have the same ball skills and frame that Cooper Jr. does.
It's worth noting as well that the Steelers have a direct connection with the Indiana standout in the building. Indiana HC Curt Cignetti's brother, Frank Cignetti Jr., is an offensive assistant on the Steelers staff this year. Does that negate the lack of a pre-draft visit? Maybe, maybe not. But don't be shocked if he is the pick at 21 on Thursday night.
Add us as a preferred source on Google