The Pittsburgh Steelers made a splash this offseason, trading for Michael Pittman Jr. to bolster their receiving corps. He's slated to be a strong WR2 behind the established D.K. Metcalf. However, the depth chart behind this new duo raises serious concerns. With Calvin Austin III departing in free agency and Roman Wilson yet to make a significant impact, the Steelers are widely expected to target a wide receiver early in the upcoming NFL Draft.
While Pittsburgh might not end its 20-year streak of avoiding a first-round receiver, a Day 2 selection seems almost certain. In a recent seven-round mock draft by NFL.com's Chad Reuter, the Steelers are projected to take a swing on a polarizing prospect: Georgia's Zachariah Branch with the 53rd overall pick.
Branch is a classic high-risk, high-reward talent. At 5-foot-9, his calling card is elite, game-breaking speed, having clocked a 4.35-second 40-yard dash. His potential as a vertical and slot weapon is tantalizing, especially for a Steelers offense that could use a dynamic presence inside to complement Metcalf and Pittman on the outside.
Yet, the concerns are notable. Despite a productive 81-catch season at Georgia, his average of just 10 yards per reception lacked the explosiveness expected from a player of his athletic profile. Questions about his route-running polish also persist, which is a critical area for any slot receiver aiming to excel at the professional level.
On the positive side, Branch demonstrated reliable hands with only two drops last season and offers value as a potential special teams weapon. His draft comparison range is vast, spanning from a high-end outcome like Zay Flowers to a more situational role akin to Mecole Hardman.
In a historically deep wide receiver class, using a valuable second-round pick on Branch represents a calculated gamble. His raw speed and specific skill set do align with a clear need for the Steelers, but whether he can refine his game to become a consistent NFL contributor will determine if this potential move pays off for the black and gold.