The Pittsburgh Steelers have questions looming under center, but the talent at wideout also continues to lack. Whether it’s the play surrounding George Pickens, the lack of anything from the guys behind him, or the loss of Diontae Johnson looming in the minds of many, here are a few fits at wide receiver that could slot in nicely for the Steelers (currently hold the No. 20 overall pick), one on each day of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Day 1: Luther Burden III, Missouri
An explosive playmaker with the ability to align both at the X and the Z, Luther Burden III’s twitch and toughness will allow him to create in a multitude of ways at the next level. He plays with a confidence you and I both know Mike Tomlin loves, and he has the breakaway speed to keep safeties at extended depth to his side of the formation. To play and produce in Pittsburgh, you have to have a little bit of an edge to you. Burden III has that, and then some, and could be a player that is available in the early 20s come April.
Day 2: Emeka Egbuka, Ohio State
Emeka Egbuka is another name out of the Ohio State wide receiver pipeline. While Egbuka doesn't have the explosiveness of a Terry McLaurin or the 50/50 ability of a Garrett Wilson coming out of Columbus, his route-running and suddenness out of the slot make him a highly touted prospect. In Pittsburgh, he’d slot in right away as the team’s WR2 with the ability to holster a hefty workload inside the offense.
Egbuka by no means will blow away defenses with his long speed or dominate smaller corners inside the red zone, but the nuance that is showcased in his game highlights a player who understands the finer details of the position. Through five games, Egbuka has caught 30 of his 41 targets for 433 yards and five TDs.
Pittsburgh has attempted to make additions in the slot, and I expect Roman Wilson to have an impact moving forward, but Egbuka is about as nuanced as you get for talents that could be on the board here on day two.
Day 3: Denzel Boston, Washington
Denzel Boston is only a redshirt sophomore, but should he declare, he could be one of those guys we look back on in two to three years and wonder why he wasn’t graded higher. He’s been excellent so far in 2024, hauling in 35 passes for 492 yards and eight trips to paydirt. He’s got size, strength, fluid footwork to separate, and excellent hands to pluck passes out of the air. Through six weeks of college ball, he’s remained one of my favorite wide receivers to watch in the country.
