Steelers Eye Trade for Receiver Amid Way-Too-Early Mock Draft Prediction

The Pittsburgh Steelers remain in need of a second viable receiver opposite George Pickens. After striking out in the offseason, Pittsburgh watched as its peers in the AFC strike first on the trade market. Former Cleveland Browns receiver Amari Cooper was dealt to the Buffalo Bills. The New York Jets traded for Davante Adams. The Steelers will face Adams on Sunday, showing off the disparity of receiver talent on national television.

Home Kansas City Favorites Customer Service Stay Connected Read today’s Edition Obituaries Video Local Events News Sports Opinion Business Living & Entertainment Featured Detour Travel Kansas City Favorites Shopping/Reviews Deals & Offers Careers and Education Special Features Press Releases Sponsored Content Classifieds Place an Ad – Celebrations Search Jobs Search Legal Notices Advertising Enjoy 3 months for 99¢! SAVE NOW SPORTS Steelers Eye Trade for Receiver Amid Way-Too-Early Mock Draft Prediction BY ANTHONY LICCIARDI ATHLON SPORTS UPDATED OCTOBER 20, 2024 6:30 AM The Pittsburgh Steelers remain in need of a second viable receiver opposite George Pickens. After striking out in the offseason, Pittsburgh watched as its peers in the AFC strike first on the trade market. Former Cleveland Browns receiver Amari Cooper was dealt to the Buffalo Bills. The New York Jets traded for Davante Adams. The Steelers will face Adams on Sunday, showing off the disparity of receiver talent on national television. As Pittsburgh’s problem lingers toward the trade deadline – there are rumors that the Steelers are looking into deals featuring names like Mike Williams (also of the Jets) and even rehabbing Cooper Kupp (of the Rams) – it looks increasingly like the passing offense is a problem for 2025. The Steelers attempt to patch up the hole along the boundary in ESPN’s recent mock draft, where they take Texas receiver Isaiah Bond with the 25th pick. “Let’s start by acknowledging that both of Pittsburgh’s quarterbacks are set to be free agents after this season, and if the Steelers find themselves in a spot where they can upgrade from Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, they might do so in Round 1,” Jordan Reid wrote.

“No matter who is under center, Pittsburgh has to find more playmaking beyond George Pickens. The speedy and dynamic Bond has flashed this season after transferring from Alabama. He’s not only capable of winning downfield, but he can also turn underneath plays into big gains. He forces defenses to respect his vertical speed and has four scores this season.”

By now, Pickens’ role is set. He’s a boundary threat who can make plays downfield with a unique ability to win above the rim. But separating in the underneath and intermediate parts of the field has proven to be a bit of a challenge, making many of his targets invaluable, but inefficient parts of the field.

Home Kansas City Favorites Customer Service Stay Connected Read today’s Edition Obituaries Video Local Events News Sports Opinion Business Living & Entertainment Featured Detour Travel Kansas City Favorites Shopping/Reviews Deals & Offers Careers and Education Special Features Press Releases Sponsored Content Classifieds Place an Ad – Celebrations Search Jobs Search Legal Notices Advertising Enjoy 3 months for 99¢! SAVE NOW SPORTS Steelers Eye Trade for Receiver Amid Way-Too-Early Mock Draft Prediction BY ANTHONY LICCIARDI ATHLON SPORTS UPDATED OCTOBER 20, 2024 6:30 AM The Pittsburgh Steelers remain in need of a second viable receiver opposite George Pickens. After striking out in the offseason, Pittsburgh watched as its peers in the AFC strike first on the trade market. Former Cleveland Browns receiver Amari Cooper was dealt to the Buffalo Bills. The New York Jets traded for Davante Adams. The Steelers will face Adams on Sunday, showing off the disparity of receiver talent on national television. As Pittsburgh’s problem lingers toward the trade deadline – there are rumors that the Steelers are looking into deals featuring names like Mike Williams (also of the Jets) and even rehabbing Cooper Kupp (of the Rams) – it looks increasingly like the passing offense is a problem for 2025. The Steelers attempt to patch up the hole along the boundary in ESPN’s recent mock draft, where they take Texas receiver Isaiah Bond with the 25th pick. “Let’s start by acknowledging that both of Pittsburgh’s quarterbacks are set to be free agents after this season, and if the Steelers find themselves in a spot where they can upgrade from Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, they might do so in Round 1,” Jordan Reid wrote. “No matter who is under center, Pittsburgh has to find more playmaking beyond George Pickens. The speedy and dynamic Bond has flashed this season after transferring from Alabama. He’s not only capable of winning downfield, but he can also turn underneath plays into big gains. He forces defenses to respect his vertical speed and has four scores this season.” By now, Pickens’ role is set. He’s a boundary threat who can make plays downfield with a unique ability to win above the rim. But separating in the underneath and intermediate parts of the field has proven to be a bit of a challenge, making many of his targets invaluable, but inefficient parts of the field. Related: Steelers Strike Out on Star Receiver Bond, meanwhile, can help the passing offense step forward by winning at every level of the field. He’s a strong enough separator over the middle of the field, has coverage-dictating speed, and can take short throws to the house. For an offense overly reliant on out-breaking short routes that limit after-the-catch potential, Bond can pose a meaningful shift. Pittsburgh badly needs someone to help take attention away from Pickens and create big plays in and out of structure. Bond may not be as polished as the receivers projected to be taken in the top 15, but there’s a path to quality receiving prospects – even if the Steelers make the playoffs.