The Pittsburgh Steelers are entering the 2026 NFL Draft with a golden opportunity. Holding a league-high 12 picks, they are perfectly positioned to strategically rebuild their wide receiver room. With a class that's shaping up to be exceptionally deep at the position, here’s a look at one potential target the Steelers could zero in on for every round of the draft.
In the first round, with the 21st overall pick, the Steelers could find excellent value in a player like Cooper. A dynamic playmaker who truly shines after the catch, he could instantly become a focal point of the offense, bringing a new dimension to the Steelers' aerial attack.
If a speed merchant is what they crave in the second round, Brazzell could be the answer. Projected anywhere from late-first to the second round, his lightning-fast pace would be a nightmare for opposing secondaries and a perfect complement to the Steelers' existing weapons.
Looking for a red-zone specialist in the third? Enter Hurst. Standing at a massive 6-foot-4, he dominates in contested-catch situations. Imagine pairing him with established stars like DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr.—that trio would be a matchup nightmare for any defense in the league.
The fourth round could offer a high-upside project in Virgil. He blends impressive size with legitimate speed, creating a tantalizing profile. While his frame might need some development, his raw tools present a fantastic value pick for a team willing to invest in his potential.
For a polished route-runner on Day 3, Daniels in the fifth round makes perfect sense. His technical proficiency and ability to win in tight coverage are traits that translate well to the NFL, offering the Steelers a reliable and savvy option who could contribute early in specific packages.
Want to stretch the field in the sixth? Look no further than Thomas. With game-breaking speed verified by a blistering 4.28-second 40-yard dash, he is the quintessential deep threat. Adding him would force safeties to respect the vertical game on every single snap, opening up the entire offense.
Finally, the seventh round is where you find specialists, and Wetjen fits the bill perfectly. While his receiving stats may not jump off the page, he is arguably the best return specialist in the draft class, having scored six touchdowns on punts and kickoffs in the last two seasons. He could immediately upgrade the Steelers' special teams unit and provide a hidden spark.
By targeting this diverse mix of skillsets across all seven rounds, the Steelers could completely transform their receiver corps, adding everything from a primary target and a deep threat to a red-zone monster and a special teams ace. The 2026 draft presents a clear path to building an offensive arsenal for the future.