Steelers Bolster Offense in Latest Mock Draft

Pittsburgh targets receiver Denzel Boston to complement DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 10:42pm

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In the latest NFL mock draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers are projected to select wide receiver Denzel Boston in the first round to help fortify their offense under new head coach Mike McCarthy. This pick would give the Steelers a big, physical outside target to pair with their existing receiving weapons as they look to solidify the quarterback position, with uncertainty still surrounding Aaron Rodgers' future plans.

Why it matters

The Steelers are in a transitional period, with a new head coach in Mike McCarthy and questions at the quarterback position. This mock draft selection of Denzel Boston would provide the offense with another talented pass-catcher to build around, as the team looks to return to the playoffs and compete in the AFC North.

The details

In the latest mock draft from NFL.com's Mike Band, the Steelers are projected to select wide receiver Denzel Boston in the first round. Band notes that while the Steelers could justify going with an offensive lineman, the pick of Boston makes sense as the team looks to give McCarthy more weapons to work with on offense. Boston is described as a big, physical outside receiver who can win through contact and complement the Steelers' existing top targets, DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for late April.

The players

Mike McCarthy

The new head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, tasked with revamping the team's offense.

Denzel Boston

A wide receiver prospect projected to be selected by the Steelers in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft.

DK Metcalf

A top wide receiver for the Steelers, who Denzel Boston would be expected to complement.

Michael Pittman Jr.

Another top wide receiver for the Steelers, who Denzel Boston would be expected to complement.

Aaron Rodgers

The veteran quarterback whose future plans are still uncertain, leaving the Steelers in a state of flux at the position.

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What they’re saying

“Pittsburgh can justify going offensive line here, but with Mike McCarthy now shaping the offense and the Steelers still looking for another long-term answer in the receiver room, Boston feels like a logical pivot.”

— Mike Band, NFL.com writer

What’s next

The Steelers will continue to monitor Aaron Rodgers' situation and evaluate their options at quarterback leading up to the 2026 NFL Draft. If Rodgers does not return, the team may need to address the position earlier in the draft.

The takeaway

The Steelers are taking a proactive approach to rebuilding their offense under new head coach Mike McCarthy, targeting a talented wide receiver prospect in Denzel Boston to complement their existing receiving corps. This pick would give the team more firepower as they look to solidify the quarterback position and return to contention in the AFC North.