Ex-NFL GM Tabs Steelers as Landing Spot for Speedy Texas WR

The Steelers currently would pick 25th in the 2024 NFL Draft as the season ended today. And mock drafts are being released left and right with the college football season in full swing. However, one position that could be an intriguing add in the first round for the Steelers would be a wide receiver. In CBS Sports’ latest mock draft, that is precisely where they have them going. Texas wide receiver Xavier Worthy is the pick.

Former Vikings general manager Rick Spielman made that pick and broke down why he likes it so much for the Steelers, whose offense has been anything but impressive early in the season.

“The reason I ended up going with Xavier Worthy was because [George] Pickens is the real deal,” Spielman said. “[Allen] Robinson is not. He’s kind of a one-year stopgap guy. Diontae Johnson is hurt all the time. And [Calvin ] Austin [III] is just a gadget guy. I think they need to get more weapons for [Kenny] Pickett, and this kid fits the bill for me.”

The analysis of the pick is interesting. Yes, Robinson has not played well. But Johnson is often healthy, and his hamstring injury is the first significant injury he had in his NFL career. Meanwhile, Calvin Austin III has shown some good things in his de facto rookie season and has a chance to progress.

Worthy’s trump card is his speed. There’s a good chance that Worthy will lead the board in Indianapolis when he runs the 40-yard dash. He is that fast. But he has inconsistencies as a player, and his frame is on the lighter side, but the Steelers should not be that concerned with that given what some guys, such as Tank Dell, have shown to that narrative.

Worthy is productive and could be an electric player, but it certainly feels like the Steelers would be wise to go elsewhere other than wide receiver. Another lineman on either side of the ball or a cornerback still seems likeliest to me. Worthy is a fun player and would give the offense a different look with Johnson and Pickens to round off that group. He and Austin could provide some super-speed looks.