Mel Kiper considers under-the-radar wide receivers, offensive linemen Pittsburgh Steelers could target

The Steelers made two major moves already this offseason with the additions of quarterbacks Russell Wilson and Justin Fields. And ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft, Pittsburgh has a great opportunity to provide some major help for whoever is under center for them next season.

ESPN Senior NFL Draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. recently held a media call ahead of April’s draft, where Steelers report Brooke Pryor asked what second-round wide receiver and first-round offensive lineman could be available for the Steelers.

“Well the depth at wide receiver Brooke is outstanding,” Kiper said. “So I think there’s gonna be some second tier receivers when you talk about guys like Troy Franklin now from Oregon is more of a second round draft choice. A guy who’s a vertical threat down the field. A Malachi Corley who’s a great run after the catch, tough kid out of Western Kentucky who will be in that mix as well. Ja’Lynn Polk, another receiver at Washington who became the guy opposite Rome Odunze while Jalin McMillan was a little banged up. He’s another, would be in that next tier of wide receiver.”

All three of Kiper’s listed wideouts boast seasons with 1,000+ yards and 10+ touchdowns ahead of the NFL Draft, providing the speed and athleticism that could add another new and needed dimension to Pittsburgh’s offense this offseason. Especially after trading wideout Diontae Johnson to the Carolina Panthers this offseason.

But even if the Steelers don’t select one of those wide receivers, Kiper and many others are convinced they can be found elsewhere in the draft given the depth at the position.

“It’s a really deep group, so you can wait,” Kiper said. “I think six [wideouts] go in the first [round], maybe seven. Another six or seven in the second, I think six or seven in the third is what I have. So it’s 27 total with grades inside of the fourth round. So wide receiver is a position where you can get that help if you wait.”

Pittsburgh could also use some help on the offensive line, and Kiper believes that if they do want to use their first-round pick (No. 20 overall) on one that a former Duke Blue Devil could fit the bill.

“Graham Barton is a left tackle who played some center, he’ll be a guard. He’s got shorter arms than you prefer for a tackle so he’ll be an interior guy at center or guard,” Kiper said. “Graham Barton is a guy who I thought about going with in terms of the Steelers, in terms of the mock. So he would be a guy that would be that versatile interior presence that could be a center or guard at the pro level.”

Kiper’s latest mock draft projects the Steelers selecting LSU wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. with the No. 20 overall pick. As it will surely be fascinating who the Steelers selected ahead of one of their most highly anticipated seasons to date.