Steelers projected to do something they haven’t done in almost two decades in latest mock draft

The Pittsburgh Steelers have put all the WR drama, rumors, and noise behind them.

Or at least for now.

But whether it's the trade deadline in November, free agency in March, or the draft in April, the team will add another WR.

Well, in the latest mock draft from A to Z Sports ' Ryan Roberts, the team goes back to the OSU WR well for the first time in nearly two decades:

Steelers Select Emeka Egbuka in Round 1 of 2025 NFL Draft

The wide receiver room for the Steelers is a problem. Pittsburgh needs players who can create separation and make some plays. Egbuka is often forgotten coming off of an injury plagued 2023 season, but his smoothness, explosiveness and ability after the catch gives him big upside in the slot. He’s the immediate separator this team needs.

- Ryan Roberts , A to Z Sports NFL Draft

The last time the Steelers selected a first-round WR it was Santonio Holmes, who just so happened to also play for OSU. That worked out pretty well for Pittsburgh, and while it's rich to say Egbuka would mirror Holmes' contribution, there's reason to believe he can.

Piggybacking of Roberts' comments on Egbuka as an immediate separator, that's the exact role Pittsburgh is missing in the WR room. They have their vertical threat with George Pickens, they have their crafty slot WR with Roman Wilson.

But ever since trading Diontae Johnson and coming up short on Brandon Aiyuk, the Steelers are missing that route-running savant to pair perfectly alongside Pickens.

That's where OSU's Emeka Egbuka comes in.

People have forgotten how talented Egbuka is, mostly because of his injury-plagued 2023 season. If not for those durability issues last season, he would more than likely be in the NFL right now. People will soon remember Egbuka as the 2022 version where he hauled in 74 receptions for 1,151 yards and 10 touchdowns.

Egbuka is another dynamic player after the catch, doing his best work in the RPO and screen game from the slot. He is also a really nice route runner, clearly understanding how to evaluate and find space. With a fully healthy season, Egbuka has the chance to solidify himself as a first rounder in April.

- Ryan Roberts , A to Z Sports College Football