The Pittsburgh Steelers have addressed their pressing offensive line needs in the first two rounds of the 2024 NFL Draft, and now they turn their attention to acquiring a starting-caliber wide receiver. Despite rumors linking them to stars like Brandon Aiyuk, Courtland Sutton, and Deebo Samuel, the Steelers have yet to make a trade. They reportedly pursued Samuel but were unwilling to meet the 49ers’ asking price, which likely involved a first-round pick. Both Aiyuk and Samuel are reportedly unhappy with their situations in San Francisco, but their hefty contract demands may be a deterrent for the Steelers. Nevertheless, the Steelers’ offense could greatly benefit from the addition of a dynamic playmaker like Samuel or Aiyuk. The team’s recent draft success in securing offensive linemen Troy Fautanu and Zach Frazier has solidified their front line, which should provide a solid foundation for the offense. Center Frazier, who many consider the best at his position in the draft, fills a critical void left by Maurkice Pouncey’s retirement. The Steelers remain open to potential trades but are also expected to address the wide receiver position through other means. With the regular season approaching, the Steelers are eager to finalize their offensive unit and find a reliable target for their emerging star, George Pickens.
Results for: Wide Receiver
The Pittsburgh Steelers reportedly declined a trade offer from the San Francisco 49ers for wide receiver Deebo Samuel. The 49ers’ asking price was deemed too high by the Steelers, who have openly expressed their desire for a veteran wideout.
The Indianapolis Colts drafted wide receiver Adonai Mitchell with the 52nd overall pick in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Mitchell played two years at Georgia before transferring to Texas last year. In his lone season in Austin, he had 55 catches for 845 yards and 11 touchdowns.
The Buffalo Bills selected Florida State wide receiver Keon Coleman with the 57th overall pick in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Coleman, a 6-foot-3, 213-pound pass-catcher, brings size and reliable hands to an offense that recently traded Stefon Diggs. In his lone season at Florida State, Coleman earned All-ACC honors, leading the Seminoles with 50 receptions for 658 yards and 11 touchdowns. The Bills’ selection of Coleman fills a significant need after losing both Diggs and Gabe Davis this offseason. They traded back three times in the draft after moving out of the first round, ultimately acquiring Coleman and an additional pick in the fourth round.
The Los Angeles Chargers moved up three spots in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft, using the New England Patriots’ No. 34 position to select Georgia wide receiver Ladd McConkey. The Chargers gave up their own fourth-round pick (No. 37) and a sixth-round pick (No. 110) to make the move. McConkey is a shifty slot receiver who played a key role in Georgia’s back-to-back national titles. He had 762 yards and seven touchdowns on 58 receptions in 2022, and averaged a career-best 15.9 yards per reception in 2023 despite being limited to just nine games due to injury. He ran a 4.39-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, which cemented his status as one of the top options in a loaded receiver class. The Chargers have a need at wide receiver after releasing Mike Williams and trading Keenan Allen this offseason. They selected Quentin Johnston in the first round of last year’s draft, but he had an underwhelming rookie campaign. McConkey should be in line for a significant role in the Chargers’ offense in 2024.
In the first round of the NFL Draft, the Kansas City Chiefs traded up to select Texas wide receiver Xavier Worthy with the 28th overall pick. Worthy is an explosive playmaker who is expected to turbocharge the Chiefs’ passing attack, led by quarterback Patrick Mahomes. The move was met with praise from Mahomes and linebacker Drue Tranquill on social media. Worthy’s addition to a receiving corps that struggled with drops last season is seen as a key move to improve Mahomes’ production and help the Chiefs continue their success. With his speed, athleticism, and impressive college stats, Worthy has the potential to ignite the Chiefs’ passing attack and become a valuable weapon for Mahomes.
In a bold move, the Kansas City Chiefs have traded up to acquire the lightning-fast wide receiver Xavier Worthy from the Texas Longhorns. Worthy’s elite speed, showcased by his blistering 4.21-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, makes him a prime candidate to become a potent weapon in Patrick Mahomes’ high-octane offense. Despite his lack of size, Worthy’s ability to break open the game with his blazing speed and extraordinary after-the-catch ability is expected to make him a valuable asset to the Chiefs’ offense, which heavily relies on yards after the catch.
With the NFL Draft approaching on Thursday, the Chicago Bears have a crucial decision to make with the No. 9 pick. General Manager Ryan Poles has prioritized acquiring wide receivers for quarterback Justin Fields, trading for Chase Claypool, DJ Moore, and Keenan Allen. However, if Notre Dame offensive tackle Joe Alt is unavailable, the Bears may consider drafting wide receiver Jalen Odunze, who fits their profile as a former four-star athlete with leadership qualities.
The Cleveland Browns are likely to add to their wide receiver depth in the 2024 NFL Draft. Florida State’s Johnny Wilson, a 6-foot-6, 231-pound target with impressive athleticism and a solid NFL combine performance, could be a potential option. Despite his potential, Wilson’s college production has been inconsistent. However, he has shown flashes of his capabilities and could be a valuable addition to the Browns’ offense with further development.
Rome Odunze, a standout wide receiver from the University of Washington, is expected to be one of the first players selected in the upcoming NFL Draft. With an impressive collegiate career marked by exceptional pass-catching skills, Odunze has caught the attention of NFL teams. Fans can anticipate a thrilling draft night as Odunze eagerly awaits his NFL destination, where he aims to make a significant contribution to his new team.