The 2026 NFL Draft is just hours away from kicking off in the city of Pittsburgh, and the Pittsburgh Steelers' first-round pick is far less obvious than in recent years. Traditionally, their front office isn't exactly subtle about showing who they are most interested in, but that may be changing with Mike Tomlin no longer a part of the organization.
General manager Omar Khan wasn't nearly as active on the scouting trail this draft cycle, and few players fit the typical criteria to be considered a first-round pick. That's why trying to predict the direction they go is a different beast this year, but NFL insider Jason La Canfora still took on the challenge in his recent first-round mock for Fansided.com.
In his mock, he went with one of the few prospects who check most of the boxes the Steelers generally look for: Washington wide receiver Denzel Boston. Even if he fits the bill, however, he would be a significant reach compared to another receiver that was still on the board.
Jason La Canfora's pick of Denzel Boston would be a mistake by the Pittsburgh Steelers
No offense to La Canforna, as he is simply predicting what the Steelers may do at pick 21, but Boston isn't the kind of receiver Pittsburgh needs to add to their current room. Standing at nearly 6'4" and 212 pounds, his build and playstyle are reminiscent of current Steelers receiver Michael Pittman Jr., which would obviously be redundant.
Indiana WR Omar Cooper Jr. was still on the board when La Confora took Boston, ultimately going to the rival Cleveland Browns three picks later. Cooper Jr. would be a more seamless fit with what Pittsburgh already has, thanks to his inside-out versatility and run-after-catch skills.
That doesn't mean Boston is a bad player, or that he wouldn't be able to become a good player in Pittsburgh. But head coach Mike McCarthy has always liked having a player who can separate quickly in the slot and create chunk plays on easy throws, and that simply isn't Boston's game.
It's very possible that the Steelers end up picking a different position entirely if Boston is their top receiver on the board, or he could be one of their targets if they choose to trade down from 21. It won't be long before we get to find out.
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