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Steelers Skip High-End DT for WR Help in Latest Mock Draft
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- Steelers Skip High-End DT for WR Help in Latest Mock Draft
The Pittsburgh Steelers might have to make a decision between much-needed upgrades to wide receiver and their long-term desire to build through the trenches in the 2025 NFL Draft, a new a mock draft from Pro Football Focus has them siding with offense, picking Ohio State wide receiver Emeka Egbuka over standout Michigan defensive tackle Kenneth Grant .
The Steelers' receiving corps was lacking last year, with mercurial George Pickens being the only true threat. This offseason, the Steelers must strengthen that position room, even if it apparently means worrying about another one later.
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In Pro Football Focus' latest mock draft , posted Monday, the Steelers opted for productive Ohio State wideout Emeka Egbuka. With that choice, they passed over Michigan's interior defensive line stalwart Kenneth Grant.
"Steelers wide receivers posted the second-worst PFF receiving grade in the league last season on targets under 20 air yards," PFF's Dylan Wasserman wrote. "A reliable route runner like Egbuka would at least somewhat remedy that problem, giving Pittsburgh someone who can reliably move the chains without the offense always needing to air it out."
In the scenario, the Denver Broncos took Missouri receiver Luther Burden at No. 20. The Arizona Cardinals traded up to take Grant with the choice after the Steelers'. Last week, NFL Network draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah said the Steelers should be thrilled if Grant lasts until their pick.
Michigan defensive tackle Kenneth Grant tackles Penn State running back Kaytron Allen on Nov. 11, 2023. — Matthew Lynch / Nittany Sports Now
"I think Kenneth Grant, he's got the ability and the tools to do some unique stuff, and he has not come close to scratching the surface of his potential," Jeremiah said. "So, I would have no problem whatsoever if the Steelers made that pick, and I'd be pretty pumped up about it if I were a Steeler fan."
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This isn't the first mock draft in which Egbuka has landed with the Steelers. He leaves the Buckeyes ' program with the most receptions and receiving yards in its history. He ranks ahead of guys like Michael Jenkins, Chris Olave , and Marvin Harrison Jr. in that regard.
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