The Pittsburgh Steelers came into the 2025 NFL draft with massive holes to fill. They managed to fill two of their biggest with their top two selections, adding Oregon defensive lineman Derrick Harmon and Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson.
Both were considered value picks at 21 and 83, respectively, and they should be immediate contributors for a team with playoff expectations in 2025. With only Day 3 picks left to fill needs, however, there was bound to be a position left untouched by the time the 2025 draft was complete.
That being said, it was a surprise to see Omar Khan choose not to address the wide receiver position after so much effort was put into scouting it.
Pittsburgh Steelers ignore receiver in 2025 NFL draft despite significant pre-draft interest
On the surface, it shouldn't be that shocking to see the Steelers neglect receiver in the draft this season. They already used their second-round pick on D.K. Metcalf, so you can view that as essentially a receiver pick.
Still, Omar Khan and Mike Tomlin showed significant interest in some of the top receivers in the draft. Matthew Golden, Jayden Higgins, Jaylin Noel, and Savion Williams all received pre-draft visits. They were at the pro day of Emeka Egbuka as well.
Egbuka was already gone by their pick in the first round, but Golden was still available. Choosing Derrick Harmon over him was a clear sign that they feel the trenches are more important, and that strategy was only made more clear with the selections of Jack Sawyer and Yahya Black on Day 3.
With trade rumors surrounding George Pickens throughout the last few days as well, taking a receiver high would have sent a message that he could be had for the right price. Now with no added reinforcements to the room, Pickens seems likely to remain a Steeler, for now at least.
Overall, I think it was smart to leave the receiving room as it was. With no answer at quarterback yet as they wait for Aaron Rodgers to make up his mind, adding more weapons in the passing game could be overkill. Beefing up the trenches and the running game was the smart way to help the roster.