The Associated Press Southern California wide receiver Makai Lemon runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, Feb. 28.

The following is the sixth of seven Pittsburgh Steelers position-by-position analyses for the 2026 NFL Draft, which begins Thursday in Pittsburgh:

WIDE RECEIVERS

Current roster: DK Metcalf, Michael Pittman Jr., Roman Wilson, Ben Skowronek, A.T. Perry, Brandon Smith, John Rhys Plumlee, Cole Burgess

Last five drafts: George Pickens (second round, 2022) was dynamic for the Steelers but wore out his welcome. Calvin Austin III (fourth round, 2022) had some moments but is now with the New York Giants. Wilson (third round, 2024) has been a disappointment the last two years.

Top wide receivers available: Carnell Tate, Ohio State; Makai Lemon, USC; Omar Cooper Jr., Indiana; Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State; Denzel Boston, Washington; KC Concepcion, Texas A&M; Germie Bernard, Alabama

PSU/Pitt/WVU players: Penn State’s Trebor Pena has an outside chance to be a late-round pick.

Possible Steelers picks: Lemon; Cooper; Tyson; Boston; Concepcion; Bernard; Zachariah Branch, Georgia; Skyler Bell, UConn; Elijah Sarratt, Indiana; Antonio Williams, Clemson; Brenen Thompson, Mississippi State; Deion Burks, Oklahoma

The Steelers haven’t selected a wide receiver in the first round in 20 years, but with a new head coach and offensive coordinator, this could be the year to break that streak. The Steelers signed Pittman during free agency and will pair him with Metcalf on the outside. They need someone to line up in the slot as their third receiver — someone quick, strong, runs good routes, has good hands and gets open quickly. Wilson hasn’t shown he can handle the job. Several receivers — Tate, Lemon and Tyson — are expected to be off the board when the Steelers select at No. 21, but Cooper, Boston or Concepcion also have first-round grades. The Steelers could wait until the second or third round to pick a receiver since several other top prospects should still be available. Branch, Bell or Sarratt may be there with their pick at No. 53 in the second round; Williams, Thompson or Burks could be there with one of their three third-round selections.

TIGHT ENDS

Current roster: Pat Freiermuth, Darnell Washington, JJ Galbreath

Last five drafts: Freiermuth (second round, 2021) has been solid but hasn’t quite emerged as a Pro Bowler. Washington (third round, 2023) has made an impact but hasn’t reached his potential. Connor Heyward (sixth round, 2022) was a versatile player for four seasons but signed with the Las Vegas Raiders in the offseason.

Top tight ends available: Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon; Eli Stowers, Vanderbilt; Oscar Delp, Georgia; Max Klare, Ohio State

PSU/Pitt/WVU players: Penn State’s Khalil Dinkins will probably be an undrafted free agent.

Possible Steelers picks: Sam Roush, Stanford; Will Kacmarek, Ohio State; Marlin Klein, Michigan

Analysis: The Steelers head to the draft without two tight ends — Heyward and Jonnu Smith — from last year’s group of four that included Freiermuth and Washington. The Steelers have bigger needs at other positions, so they’re not going to be in the running for some of the top tight ends in this year’s draft. If they go after one in the middle rounds, expect them to be looking for one that excels at blocking first and pass receiving second. Kacmarek and Klein would be a couple that are of that ilk.

Coming Wednesday: Quarterbacks and special teams