Steelers Coach Scouts Freak Athlete WR at Pro Day
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receivers coach Zach Azzanni hit the road for Knoxville for Tennessee's 2025 Pro Day.
After the Pittsburgh Steelers pulled off a blockbuster trade-and-sign acquisition of D.K. Metcalf, they may not be done looking to add to the room. On Tuesday, Steelers wide receiver coach Zach Azzanni had his eyes on receivers at Tennessee’s Pro Day.
The Steelers currently will bring back George Pickens, Calvin Austin III, and Roman Wilson in addition to the Metcalf acquisition for 2025. Adding more depth to the room will likely happen through the draft or late-stage free agency. Tennessee’s draft-eligible receivers are highlighted by Dont’e Thornton Jr.
The six-foot-five-inch receiver possesses a rare combination of size and speed. His combined performance included a 4.30-timed 40-yard dash. For reference, Calvin Austin stands under five-foot-nine-inches and recorded a 4.32 40-yard dash in 2022.
Despite his impressive athletic testing, his production in college wasn’t very consistent. After two years at Oregon, Thornton transferred to Tennessee to play in their spread, up-tempo offense. His senior season he recorded 26 receptions, 661 yards, and six touchdowns–all career highs.
The eye-popping stat from his senior year is his incredible 25.4 yards per reception. For Arthur Smith’s offense, this type of vertical ability could find a role in Pittsburgh. He is currently projected as a day three pick but has seen some talks of making it up to day two.