The Pittsburgh Steelers are slowly trudging toward another seemingly inevitable 9-8 finish. After a thrilling start to the season in which they jumped out to a lead in the AFC North, they've come back down to Earth, losing two of their last three games.
This team is nearing the point of needing to enter a full-scale rebuild. They have an aging roster with plenty of holes moving forward, but one of the most obvious needs is in the receiver room. Outside of D.K. Metcalf, the Steelers are lacking consistent pass-catching options for Aaron Rodgers.
After opting out of making a move for a receiver at the trade deadline, Pittsburgh will need to address the position next offseason. Thankfully, there are more than a few quality options throughout the 2026 NFL Draft class.
2026 NFL Draft holds Steelers' answer to receiver need
Steelers' fits on day one
The receiver position may end up being the strength of this draft class. There are plenty of options in the first round, but USC's Makai Lemon stands out as an obvious fit. He's an excellent route runner with consistent hands and explosive ability after the catch. He does most of his work from the slot, making him an ideal fit alongside Metcalf. If the Steelers are looking to replicate the success of star receivers like Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Emeka Egbuka, Lemon is their guy.
Other options in the middle of the first round include Ohio State's Carnell Tate and Washington's Denzel Boston, both of whom thrive on the outside.
Steelers' fits on day two
A bit further down the board, Indiana's Elijah Sarratt would be a decent fit. He's a reliable receiver with sneaky separation ability. Chris Bell, an explosive speedster from Louisville, is another prospect to monitor moving forward.
In round three, Oklahoma wideout Deion Burks would immediately slot into the Steelers' starting lineup. He's a bit undersized, but he can create big plays with the ball in his hands.
Steelers' fits on day three
In the later rounds, Auburn's Eric Singleton is another explosive wideout. The Tigers use him heavily on screen passes, letting him showcase his shiftiness and athleticism. Fans should also keep an eye on South Carolina receiver Nyck Harbor. He's an unfinished product, but his 6'5", 235-pound frame and blazing speed will make him difficult to pass up.
Other names to watch include Georgia's Noah Thomas and Florida State's Squirrell White.
Whether they spend an early pick on the position or not, they'll need to address the receiver spot next offseason.