The Pittsburgh Steelers are doing their homework on the 2024 wide receiver class as the draft approaches at the end of April. The team recently hosted Western Kentucky star wideout Malachi Corley for a visit as they continue to get a closer look at some prospects they might want to select. The franchise has an obvious need at the position after trading Diontae Johnson to the Carolina Panthers. According to a recent report, the team is hosting USC Trojans receiver Tahj Washington on a Top 30 visit.
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Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin talks about a taunting penalty with wide receiver Diontae Johnson.
Mike DeFabo of The Athletic posted on X that the former Trojan and Memphis Tigers wideout plans to come to the Steel City. Washington isn't one of the shinier names from the 2024 class, but has a skill set that DeFabo thinks the team could be attracted to.
Former USC WR Tahj Washington is planning to come to Pittsburgh for a Top 30 visit, per source.
— Mike DeFabo (@MikeDeFabo) April 2, 2024
At 5-10, 174 pounds, he's a good route-running slot many see as a Day 3 prospect. Willing blocker/ great toughness, which adds value on ST, especially with the new kickoff rules.
Washington played two seasons in the American Conference with the Tigers, where he was teammates with current Pittsburgh speedster, Calvin Austin III. In his final year at Memphis in 2020, he finished second on the team to Austin in receiving yards, with 743. He reportedly left the Tigers for the transfer portal after the team's wide receiver coach, John Simon, left the program. Head Coach Ryan Silverfield called it a personal matter and didn't add any further details, citing university policy.
Washington found a new home with the Trojans and played three seasons, starting in 2021. In the 2023 season, he was the top target for the presumed top pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Caleb Williams. He hauled in a team-leading 53 passes for 1,062 yards and eight touchdowns, which was second to Brenden Rice's 12.
Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times
USC wide receiver Tahj Washington scampers into the end zone after an eight-yard catch against California linebacker Jackson Sirmon in the second half at the Coliseum in 2022.
Washington may not have a famous father, like his teammate Rice, but still has some impressive college tape. While some questioned his character, after he transferred to the Los Angeles institution, Trojans Head Coach Lincoln Riley was impressed that the wideout played in the team's 2023 Holiday Bowl game as a senior with no eligibility left.
“He could have had a great case for not playing this game,” Riley said postgame via The Orange County Register. “But anybody that knows Tahj knew there was a zero percent chance that he was going to sit out this game, and that’s why he’s going to be a great pro.”
Steelers Continue Hunt To Fill Out Wide Receiver Room
It seems inevitable that the Steelers will take a wideout in the 2024 NFL Draft after not taking one in the 2023 NFL Draft. It could even be in the first round. George Pickens is the only known commodity in the mix for the team that was a major contributor last season. The team also hasn't replaced the role of special teams ace Miles Boykin, who remains a free agent. As DeFabo mentioned, Washington could be a useful player to help fill that position due to his skill set.
%202023%20Camp%20Final%20with%20Logos/2L9A6550-544x306.jpg "Steelers Miles Boykin")
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers receiver Miles Boykin participates in the team's 2023 training camp in Latrobe, PA.
DeFabo added a second post to the thread, highlighting the team's focus on finding a new wideout. The need is clear, and the team is doing their due diligence to fill it.
The Steelers have an obvious need at WR after dealing Diontae Johnson.
— Mike DeFabo (@MikeDeFabo) April 2, 2024
They've already hosted Florida's Ricky Pearsall, South Carolina's Xavier Legette, Western Kentucky's Malachi Corley and now Washington coming soon. Wouldn't be surprised if they bring in a few others.
Pittsburgh has been known for finding diamond in the rough type receivers and getting good to great production from them. Omar Khan and Mike Tomlin are in the process of hopefully finding the next one.
Who do you think Pittsburgh should take at receiver in the 2024 NFL Draft? Comment below!
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