Steelers Add USC Star Receiver In Latest CBS Sport Mock Draft

It has been more than 20 years since the Pittsburgh Steelers selected a wide receiver in the first round of the NFL Draft. With the team in urgent need of talent in its current receiving corps, one CBS Sports draft analyst projects the Steelers to find a complementary piece to D.K. Metcalf in the opening round of the 2026 NFL Draft.

In his latest mock draft, writer and analyst Josh Edwards breaks the trend by projecting star USC receiver Makai Lemon to Pittsburgh with the 20th overall pick. Despite Lemon’s size (5'11"), Edwards noted in his analysis that Lemon would provide the slot presence currently lacking on the roster, despite having both Roman Wilson and Calvin Austin III.

"Makai Lemon is that predominant slot player, who can make plays in space and create yards after the catch."

It should be noted that this year’s draft could present an equally effective and productive slot option in the mid rounds. One such candidate is UConn standout Skyler Bell, who finished second in the nation in receptions (101), second in receiving yards (1,276), and second in yards per reception (13). However, some analysts argue that much of his production came against questionable competition, in contrast to Makai Lemon, who primarily faced Power Four programs.

This season, Lemon impressed observers nationwide with his ability to make receptions at a high degree of difficulty and to gain substantial yards after the catch. He set career highs with 1,156 receiving yards on 79 receptions and 11 touchdown catches.