The Pittsburgh Steelers' passing game left a lot to be desired in 2025. Pittsburgh relied on its star receiver, DK Metcalf, quite often. Metcalf lacked a quality receiver next to him and was double-covered and taken out of games at times. He had a down year, and a huge reason for that was due to a lack of a supporting cast around him. The Steelers brass should look to the NFL Draft to remedy this issue. There is a receiver that could be available at pick 21 that the Black and Gold should have towards the top of the list.
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DK Metcalf carries the football against the Minnesota Vikings.
The Steelers desperately need a partner-in-crime for their star receiver. Pittsburgh traded for Metcalf ahead of the 2025 season with the Seattle Seahawks. The Steelers sent a second, a seventh, and swapped sixth-round picks in the deal. Metcalf was then signed to a four-year, $132 million contract upon joining the team. The Steelers have a lot invested in Metcalf, whether that be money or draft compensation, and need to ensure they set him up for success.
The Steelers could look to do that in the NFL Draft, where a receiver has been a top projection for them with their first-rounder. Steelers beat writers Ray Fittipaldo and Adam Bittner discussed their favorite receiver pick from the Steelers' current spot.
"If a guy like Jordyn Tyson fell to the Steelers at 21, if I were the Steelers, I would run to the podium with that pick. He's a really, really good football player," Fittipaldo said.
The Steelers could see Jordyn Tyson fall to them towards the end of the first round. Tyson did not participate in the NFL Combine in Indianapolis due to a minor hamstring injury. This could push him down in the draft and make him easily obtainable for Pittsburgh, who could really use his services.
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Arizona State wide receiver Jordyn Tyson stands on the field after making a play during a collegiate football game that took place at the home of the Sun Devils in Tempe, AZ.
Tyson is regarded as one of the top receivers in this year's draft class. He spent three years as an Arizona State Sun Devil, where he put up numbers. In 2024, Tyson had 75 catches for 1,101 yards and 10 touchdowns. Tyson continued his dominance in 2025, where he had 711 yards and nine total touchdowns, despite three fewer games played. He has proven he can be a versatile receiver, playing in both the slot and on the outside.
This is versatility that Pittsburgh could use to their advantage, as it only have three receivers currently signed to their roster. Tyson is a great route runner and can be a threat with his ability to compete for contested catches. He has great body control and can be a solid run blocker. He was also coached by Steelers legend Hines Ward at Arizona State. These qualities are exactly what the Steelers should be looking for out of a first-round receiver.
Tyson would add a tremendous amount of variation to the offense as he can be lined up almost anywhere and be effective. This is something that Head Coach Mike McCarthy and General Manager Omar Khan should be intrigued by.
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Wide receiver Jordyn Tyson extends to catch a pass for Arizona State.
Steelers May Need To Draft Multiple Receivers
Pittsburgh currently sits with only two receivers on its main roster. Those being Metcalf and Roman Wilson. The Steelers are extremely thin at the position and should look to bring in multiple receivers through the draft to beef up their position group. This can play as an advantage for them as they could find some gems that are on the cheap for the next few seasons.
Pittsburgh will likely use its first-rounder on a receiver, and a mid-round pick could be used on another one to add more depth. The Steelers have been rumored to double-dip at the position, and for good reason. The Steelers need to find some running mates for their star, Metcalf, and take the load off of him, so he can thrive.
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