It's no secret that the Pittsburgh Steelers are desperate for an upgrade to their receiver room. They have DK Metcalf and two unproven options who could emerge with Calvin Austin III and Roman Wilson. Ideally, General Manager Omar Khan will locate an external option to replace George Pickens either in free agency or in a trade.
Fans might have to wait longer than they might prefer until they get an answer.
Khan will remain in trade conversations to try and add another offensive weapon, but the Steelers are in no place where they can move a top pick going into next year's draft. They need as many draft picks as possible to land a franchise quarterback. Adding a receiver who fails to make an NFL roster elsewhere could be a unique pathway to improve their offense, and not give up any picks.
Don't be shocked if the Pittsburgh Steelers target a Panthers receiver during roster cuts
Jalen Coker, WR
The Carolina Panthers have some interesting names who could fail to make their final roster this preseason. Jalen Coker is the headliner. He had a solid rookie campaign after being an undrafted free agent last year. He started off his career in the NFL at a slow pace, but he took off as the season progressed. As an undrafted rookie, he showed some brilliant playmaking abilities.
Coker only started four games for the Panthers last season, but he produced 478 yards and two touchdowns off 32 receptions.
While the former Holy Cross receiver shocked the NFL world last year, there are no guarantees he will make the 53-man roster with Carolina. He must earn his keep, and there is plenty of quality competition he must beat. If he fails to stick with the Panthers, Pittsburgh could be a reasonable landing spot. He had some connections to the Steelers during the pre-draft process.
He might not have been the top receiver on the Steelers draft board, but he was on their radar.
His burst of production as a rookie should intrigue Khan as a possible upgrade at the receiver position. Coker is a big target downfield who Aaron Rodgers could love in the passing game. Keep an eye on this former undrafted free agent to get a lot of noise if he misses Carolina's roster.
READ MORE: Steelers' trade buzz swirls around WR once favored by Aaron Rodgers
Jimmy Horn Jr., WR
It appears the Panthers might need to decide between Coker and Jimmy Horn Jr.
Both seem to have promising careers in front of them, but Horn was a sixth-round pick this past draft, and Coker went undrafted the year prior. They have something to prove, or they could fail to make the roster. Horn has produced a solid start to his rookie campaign, and he should carry that into training camp.
Horn played his first two years of college football at South Florida before transferring to Colorado for his final two seasons with Deion Sanders. It was a strong career in college for Horn, but he never produced mind-boggling numbers. His small stature of 5'8 scared teams away during the draft process. He did gain interest from Pittsburgh leading up to the draft, but they didn't land him.
The Steelers would be crazy not to consider adding Horn to their roster if he doesn't stick with Carolina.
He is a small weapon, but he is a young player who could thrive with a bigger role on offense. The former Buffalo showed he can be a quality returner in the kick and punt game. His versatility would interest the Steelers, and their pre-draft interest could carry over if he becomes available.