Steelers Eye Pickens' Replacement At The NFL Combine

Omar Yusuf

5 min read

Post on May 07, 2025

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Top Wide Receiver Prospects at the Combine

The NFL Combine is a showcase for the top college football players, and this year, several wide receiver prospects could be key targets for the Steelers. The team will be looking for players who possess a similar skillset to Pickens – a combination of size, speed, and exceptional route-running ability. Here are some of the top contenders:

• Quentin Johnston (TCU): Johnston boasts impressive size and speed, making him a deep threat with potential to stretch the field. However, he needs to improve his consistency in route running and catching in traffic. His Combine performance will be crucial in determining his draft stock.

• Jaxon Smith-Njigba (Ohio State): Smith-Njigba is known for his precise route running and ability to make contested catches. While he might not possess the same blazing speed as Pickens, his technical skills and reliability could make him a valuable asset in the Steelers' offense. His injury history will likely be a key area of focus for Steelers' scouts.

• Jordan Addison (USC): Addison's skillset shares similarities with Pickens; he’s a polished route runner with good hands and an ability to create separation. The Combine will provide valuable insights into his athleticism and explosiveness. A strong showing could solidify his position as a first-round prospect.

• Zay Flowers (Boston College): Flowers is a smaller, quicker receiver, offering a different dynamic than Pickens. His elusiveness and agility could be a valuable asset in the slot. The Steelers will be assessing whether his size will be a limitation at the NFL level.

• Other notable prospects: Players like Josh Downs (North Carolina) and Jalin Hyatt (Tennessee) will also be under scrutiny, though their skillsets may differ from Pickens.

Steelers' Scouting Priorities Beyond Physical Attributes

The Steelers' scouting strategy extends far beyond physical measurements and on-field drills. They place a significant emphasis on character, work ethic, and cultural fit. The NFL Combine provides an excellent platform to assess these crucial non-physical aspects.

• Interview process: The Steelers’ renowned interview process delves deep into a prospect’s personality, motivations, and maturity. This assessment is as critical as their 40-yard dash time.

• Medical evaluations: Thorough medical checks are paramount. The Steelers will scrutinize medical reports and conduct physical examinations to identify any potential injury concerns, aiming to avoid drafting injury-prone players.

• On-field performance analysis: While drills at the Combine don't perfectly translate to game performance, they offer valuable insights into athleticism, agility, and skill execution. The Steelers' scouts will be looking for explosive plays and consistency in their drills.

• Film study: Extensive pre-combine film study forms the bedrock of the Steelers’ evaluation process. Combine performance serves to corroborate or refine their initial assessments based on game film.

The Role of the Combine in the Steelers' Draft Strategy

The NFL Combine significantly impacts the Steelers’ draft strategy. Their draft position and other needs will influence how they prioritize prospects identified at the Combine.

• Impact of Combine performances on draft stock: Exceptional performances can elevate a player's draft stock, potentially forcing the Steelers to consider trading up to secure their target. Conversely, poor performances can cause a player to fall down the draft board.

• How the combine helps the Steelers refine their draft board: The Combine provides crucial data points to help the Steelers refine their draft board and solidify their rankings of prospects.

• Possibility of trading up or down based on combine performances: Based on Combine performances, the Steelers might choose to trade up to acquire a highly coveted player or trade down to acquire additional draft picks.

Alternative Solutions to Filling the Wide Receiver Void

While the draft is the primary focus, the Steelers might also explore alternative avenues to fill the wide receiver void.

• Prominent free agent wide receivers available: The free agency market could offer established veterans who can fill the immediate need, although their price tag might be a significant factor.

• Potential trade targets: Trading for a wide receiver from another team could be a possibility, though this depends on the availability of suitable players and the willingness of other teams to negotiate.

• Pros and cons of each alternative: Each option—draft, free agency, trade—carries its own risks and rewards. The Steelers will carefully weigh the advantages and disadvantages before making a decision.

Conclusion

The NFL Combine presents a pivotal opportunity for the Pittsburgh Steelers to address their need at wide receiver. The team's scouting department will meticulously evaluate top prospects, considering not only their physical attributes but also their character and fit within the team's system. The combine's impact will significantly influence the Steelers' draft strategy and overall approach to securing a suitable replacement for George Pickens. Keep an eye on the Steelers' activities at the NFL Combine to see how they address this crucial position. Stay tuned for updates on the Steelers' quest for a Pickens replacement!