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The following is the third of seven Pittsburgh Steelers position analyses for the 2024 NFL Draft, which begins Thursday:
WIDE RECEIVERS
Current roster: George Pickens, Van Jefferson, Calvin Austin, Quez Watkins, Dez Fitzpatrick, Denzel Mims, Deuce Watts, Marquez Callaway, Keilahn Harris
Last five drafts: Pickens (2022, second round) has emerged as a No. 1 target, and Austin (2022, fourth round) was OK last season after being injured his rookie year. Diontae Johnson (2019, third round) enjoyed five productive seasons with the Steelers but was traded to the Panthers in the offseason. Chase Claypool (2020, second round) had a promising rookie season but wore out his welcome with the Steelers, Bears and Dolphins.
Top wide receivers available: Marvin Harrison Jr., Ohio State; Malik Nabers, LSU; Rome Odunze, Washington; Brian Thomas Jr., LSU; Adonai Mitchell, Texas; Ladd McConkey, Georgia
Penn State/Pitt players: Pitt's Bub Means ran a 4.43 40, so he could possibly be a late-round pick.
Possible Steelers picks: Troy Franklin, Oregon; Keon Coleman, Florida State; Ricky Pearsall, Florida; Jalen McMillan, Washington; Xavier Legette, South Carolina; Roman Wilson, Michigan; Malachi Corley, Western Kentucky; Dez Walker, North Carolina
Analysis: The Steelers are going to select at least one receiver in this draft, which is deep with a number of quality wideouts. The Steelers rarely go after a wide receiver with their top pick -- which is No. 20 this season -- so it's a good bet to think they'll use their second-round pick (No. 51) on one. That puts them in range to get someone like Franklin, Pearsall, Legette or Wilson, who all ran the 40 in the 4.39-4.41 area. Walker is another speedster but could be someone the Steelers take with one of their two third-round picks. The Steelers need someone to pair with Pickens, so the priority level is high this year for receivers.
TIGHT ENDS
Current roster: Pat Freiermuth, Darnell Washington, Connor Heyward, MyCole Pruitt, Rodney Williams
Last five drafts: Freiermuth (2021, second round), Washington (2023, third round) and Heyward (2022, sixth round) figure to be the three main tight ends again this season. Zach Gentry (2019, fifth round) was somewhat of a surprise cut last year and is now with the Raiders.
Top tight ends available: Brock Bowers, Georgia; Ben Sinnott, Kansas; Ja'Tavion Sanders, Texas; Cade Stover, Ohio State
Penn State/Pitt players: Penn State's Theo Johnson could go as high as the second round but might be more of a third-rounder. Pitt's Malcolm Epps is not expected to get drafted.
Possible Steelers picks: Probably none
Analysis: Freiermuth still hasn't reached his potential and could have a breakout season in Arthur Smith's offense this year. Washington did OK as a rookie but now needs to show he can expand his role. Heyward does a little bit of everything but also needs to take a step forward. The Steelers seem to be in decent shape at tight end for 2024, so they don't have to select one this year. But they could possibly use one of their two sixth-round picks on a tight end if a player drops to there. Most likely, they'll sign a rookie free agent.
Coming Saturday-Sunday: Offensive linemen
-- Buck Frank