The Steelers pulled off a remarkable victory on “Sunday Night Football,” defeating the Baltimore Ravens to clinch the AFC North title. Pittsburgh’s primary focus at the moment is preparing for a playoff run, but it should start to pay attention to players it could add in the offseason.
It’s no secret that the Steelers must upgrade their receiving core. One way Pittsburgh could add another receiver is through the 2026 NFL Draft.
Pro Football Focus analyst Trevor Sikkema predicted that the Steelers will select USC wide receiver Makai Lemon with their 21st pick.
“The Steelers’ passing game simply wasn’t good enough once D.K. Metcalf was removed from the equation,” Sikkema wrote on Monday. “Regardless of who is under center in 2026, Pittsburgh has to be more than a one-man show through the air. Lemon is an ideal complement to Metcalf: while Metcalf commands extra attention downfield and in the intermediate areas, Lemon consistently wins quickly as a separator.
“His 81.1% open-target rate over the past two seasons ranks in the 87th percentile at the position, making him a reliable chain-mover to balance the offense.”
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Lemon recorded 2,008 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns over 33 college games. The Steelers might need to trade up to draft Lemon, since he could be one of the first receivers selected this April.
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