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Steelers Have WR Options in Latest Mel Kiper Mock Draft
The Pittsburgh Steelers need to improve their stable of receivers this offseason. There are a handful that stand out in the 2025 NFL Draft, including Arizona’s Tetairoa McMillan and Ohio State’s Emeka Egbuka. In a pre-combine mock draft, ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. has the Steelers taking the latter instead of the surprisingly-available former.
McMillan, currently Kiper’s No. 13 overall prospect, has rarely been projected to be around when the Steelers make their choice. Kiper rates him as the second-best wideout in this year’s crop, behind only Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter and in front of Egbuka.
In the outline posted Tuesday, Kiper has the Steelers selecting Egbuka instead because of the buzz surrounding him at the moment.
“Scouts love his route running, sure hands and approach to the game,” Kiper wrote. “He’s coming off an 81-catch, 1,011-yard, 10-touchdown season, and he’d fit perfectly opposite George Pickens in Pittsburgh. … It doesn’t really matter who is playing quarterback for them next season if they can’t give that passer more options in the offense. And if Egbuka runs well this week, he might be the perfect solution.”
Egbuka is Ohio State’s all-time leader in receptions (205) and receiving yards (2,868). The Buckeyes have a storied history of pass-catchers, including Cris Carter, Michael Jenkins, Marvin Harrison Jr., and Santonio Holmes.
Why Does Tetairoa McMillan Stand Out?
McMillan was taken with the next pick, No. 22 by the Los Angeles Chargers, in the scenario. Kiper wrote Tuesday that he’s “a big-bodied receiver who can be a mismatch for smaller corners. And his great size, body control, concentration and hands help him consistently win in contested-catch situations.”
Tetairoa McMillan had 1,319 receiving yards last season, the third-most in the nation. That figure ranked behind only Bowling Green tight end Harold Fannin Jr. (1,555) and San Jose State’s Nick Nash (1,382).