This physically imposing receiver is firmly on the Steelers' draft radar

The Pittsburgh Steelers have made it clear that they are going to be targeting a receiver early in the 2024 NFL Draft. This is something we speculated about before Diontae Johnson was traded to the Carolina Panthers. Now all signs are pointing in this direction.

George Pickens is the only starting-caliber receiver on Pittsburgh's roster, and most of the top names who were available on the free-agent market have been snatched up.

The Steelers have also expressed a lot of interest in the top receiver prospects this year. At the NFL Combine, they met with some of the top prospects like Rome Odunze, Brian Thomas Jr., and Adonai Mitchell. Odunze is projected to be long gone before their pick at 20 overall, while Thomas and Mitchell would require a first-round pick to land either receiver (if they are still on the board).

Because of this, taking a receiver in the second round might be the most likely option for Pittsburgh. This is something the Steelers have done frequently in the past with players like George Pickens, Chase Claypool, James Washington, and JuJu Smith-Schuster. Even Diontae Johnson (who was a third-rounder) was taken just four picks after the second round concluded.

There is one physically imposing receiver, in particular, who is now firmly on the Steelers' draft radar in the second round as we inch closer to the 2024 NFL Draft.

Steelers are eyeing WR Xavier Legette

The Pittsburgh Steelers have now met with Xavier Legette three times throughout the pre-draft process: at the Senior Bowl, at the NFL Combine, and hosted for a Top 30 pre-draft visit.

Based on history, Legette will not be considered in the first round, Mike Tomlin and Omar Khan were not present at his South Carolina Pro Day. However, Legette isn't considered a first-round prospect. It's the collection of three offseason meetings (most importantly being the Top 30 visit) that makes Legette a strong candidate in Round 2 for the Steelers.

Legette has everything Arthur Smith is looking for in a receiver for his offense. At 6'1'' and 221 pounds, Legette has a remarkably similar build to A.J. Brown, who the Titans drafted in the second round in 2019 -- Smith's first year as Tennessee's offensive coordinator.

Legette uses his muscular frame to his advantage, both as a blocker and as a receiver. He can effortlessly move cornerbacks in run-blocking situations and is excellent at boxing out smaller defenders when the ball is in the air.

After a strong Senior Bowl showing and after lighting up the NFL Combine, Legette looks the part of a first-round pick. However, a slow start to his college career could hold him back from being drafted in Round 1. In his first four college seasons, Legette managed to record a mere 423 receiving yards in 41 games, per Sports Reference.

The talented receiver finally exploded for a monster season in 2023 that included 71 receptions for 1,255 yards, and 7 touchdowns. But at 23 years old, Legette is a one-year wonder that could have some teams concerned.

After all of the interest the Steelers have shown, Omar Khan would likely pounce at the opportunity to select Xavier Legette on Day 2 of the 2024 NFL Draft. Legette is checking nearly every box the team looks for, and after his Top 30 visit, he is firmly on Pittsburgh's draft radar.