Way-Too-Early Mock Draft: Steelers Draft Elite Receiver Prospect

The Pittsburgh Steelers’ pursuit of a star receiver has been the story of their offseason. Thus far unfulfilled, Pittsburgh is staring down a marathon of a season with one legitimate starter and several question marks out wide, adding uncertainty to an already fragile passing attack.

As the search for a star receiver continues, each day feels like it lessens the likelihood of a fruitful endeavor, forcing the Steelers’ hand next offseason.

Could the 2025 NFL Draft give Pittsburgh the receiver it so desperately needs?

In ESPN’s recent mock draft , the Steelers pick 13th, well in range for a high-level prospect. There, they take Arizona receiver Tetairoa McMillan.

“As evidenced by the Steelers' pursuit of Brandon Aiyuk, wide receiver is a position to further bolster in Pittsburgh,” Field Yates wrote. “And while the team's track record with non-Round 1 wideouts is solid, McMillan is far too good to pass on. He has rare 6-5 size and power, and the way he snares everything within arm's reach jumps out on tape.”

McMillan may not be the clear-cut best receiver in his class, but his profile is worthy of top-10 consideration, making him a strong value in the immediate aftermath.

There’s some overlapping skill set with George Pickens, who makes his living making explosive plays downfield – particularly at the catch point – McMillan is better developed underneath and as a natural separator. While the two would create a formidable duo on the boundary, this selection would also give Pittsburgh the ability to pivot off of Pickens if need be during contract negotiations.

“McMillan is a good route runner, he's strong after the catch and he has the physicality to post up defenders to win on contested catches,” Yates wrote. “McMillan -- who had 90 catches for 1,402 yards and 10 scores last season -- could boost the Steelers' offense opposite George Pickens.”

Related: Way-Too-Early Mock Draft: Steelers Pick High-Ceiling Edge Rusher

For an offense that lacks after-the-catch threats from the outside, McMillan makes the Steelers offense more lethal downfield while making the unit more well-rounded.

Much of Pittsburgh’s offense is unstable, and while the quarterback situation remains fluid, adding a top-15 pick out wide is an easy way to boost the surrounding cast for whoever ends up under center .