Wide receiver remains a major need for the Pittsburgh Steelers as the 2026 NFL draft draws closer. The addition of Michael Pittman Jr. this offseason quelled some of the concerns around the unit, but a massive hole is still left unfilled in the aftermath of free agency.
As it stands, the top option to man the slot position in head coach Mike McCarthy's pass-heavy offense is third-year WR Roman Wilson. As big a fan as I personally am of his game, he has been relegated to backup duties for his entire tenure in Pittsburgh so far. Taking a receiver as early as pick 21 should still be in play.
If they don't land a top-tier receiver with their first-round pick, a potential Day 2 gem is emerging who could be a perfect fit for what the Steelers are lacking at the position. UConn's Skyler Bell just dominated at his Pro Day workout in front of NFL scouts, and Pittsburgh should take notice.
Awesome workout by Skyler Bell today at UConn Pro Day.
— Eric Galko (@EricGalko) March 24, 2026
Posted an ELITE three-cone at 6.65 (and he had times in 6.5s). Among the best in the WR class. 👀👀
Plus a near-90th percentile short shuttle at 4.11.
Outstanding WR workout too. 📈📈#ShrineBowlWhosNext pic.twitter.com/ssWCibpVfh
Skyler Bell could be the ideal mid-round pick to complete the Pittsburgh Steelers WR room
Bell was uber-productive in his last collegiate season for UConn, finishing the season with 1,282 yards and 13 touchdowns. He was productive in 2024 as well, but he became the clear focal point of a potent Huskies offense in 2025 thanks to a handful of serious improvements to his game.
He massively improved his ball skills, going from a 14% drop rate and a 44.4% success rate on contested catches in 2024 (according to Pro Football Focus) to a 3.8% and 65% marks, respectively. His average depth of target did drop significantly, but that was largely due to the sheer amount of targets he received and the effort to get the ball in his hands in any way possible.
He uses that 4.4 speed to threaten defenses vertically, and he has the quickness to weaponize his speed to uncover quickly on underneath routes. He isn't the biggest player (5'11", 192 pounds), but he is a yards after catch threat thanks to his agility and toughness.
He only played about 38% of his snaps in the slot last season, but he has all the required skills to play inside at the NFL level. Having the experience of playing outside would only help a team like Pittsburgh hunt matchups against opposing secondaries.
Bell is projected to go somewhere on Day 2 of the draft, likely closer to the top of the third round. If Pittsburgh could end up with him at pick 76 (or maybe earlier after a small trade up), he could be the final piece of what looks to be a promising offensive infrastructure. The quarterback situation is still...murky at best (looking at you, Aaron Rodgers), but the rest of the offense would be ready to compete in 2026.