Steelers Urged To Draft 1,798-Yard WR To Boost Offense originally appeared on SportsNet Pittsburgh. Add SportsNet Pittsburgh as a Preferred Source by clicking here.There has been a recurring theme in recent mock drafts lately suggesting that the Steelers will select a wide receiver with the 21st pick.It might come as a surprise that the Steelers would consider taking a receiver in the first round after trading for Michael Pittman Jr. this offseason and DK Metcalf last offseason. However, they still need to add a young receiver to the roster.The Athletic's Mike DeFabo continued the trend of selecting a receiver in the first round of his mock draft, predicting that the Steelers will take Indiana wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. at No. 21."I see the first-round pick being either a receiver, offensive lineman or defensive back," DeFabo wrote on Monday.

"If Penn State guard Vega Ioane is still available I think he’ll be the selection — but I believe he’ll be gone, so I’m going in a different direction. Of the six players with first-round grades that the Steelers hosted, two of them were receivers (USC’s Makai Lemon and Washington’s Denzel Boston), which signals they’re still thinking about this position even after the Michael Pittman Jr. trade."While Cooper didn’t visit, the Steelers know him well. He played under new receivers coach Adam Henry at IU in 2022.

He brings YAC potential that would fit nicely into Mike McCarthy’s offense and would also help round out this room as a different, more slot-capable (but still versatile) receiver."Cooper played four seasons at Indiana, recording 115 receptions for 1,798 yards and 22 touchdowns over 42 games. He would be a great addition to play alongside Metcalf and Pittman.More NFL: Steelers Predicted To Take 11,725-Yard Signal-Caller As Potential Aaron Rodgers Replacement