Connect with us

2023 NFL Draft

Next Chase Claypool? Steelers Host Big, Athletic WR on Pre-Draft Visit

Published

on

Steelers Bryce Ford-Wheaton

The Steelers are hosting athletic standout wide receiver Bryce Ford-Wheaton out of West Virginia, according to multiple reports.

Ford-Wheaton’s visit comes on the heels of the visits for Jonathan Mingo, Charlie Jones, and Jayden Reed, continuing the string of interest for the Steelers at wide receiver. The team lost Steven Sims in free agency but posts Calvin Austin and Anthony Miller as potential options in the slot.

Meanwhile, Ford-Wheaton is a freak athlete at the position. In Indianapolis, Ford-Wheaton measured in at 6-foot-3, ran a 4.38 40-yard dash at 221 pounds, posted a 41-inch vertical, and even nicely rounded it out with a 4.15 short shuttle for his size. It all comes together to paint an intriguing picture.

Ford-Wheaton’s mom is a massive Steelers fan, and the one team that she wanted to hear from right away was the Pittsburgh Steelers. He met with the team at the Shrine Bowl and it seems they came knocking back around again, and Ford-Wheaton now has a top-30 visit with the team.

“It was definitely the first team my mom wanted to hear from,” Ford-Wheaton said. “When I called her and I told her I met with the Steelers she was excited and happy asking how it went. They have a good staff, a good front office. I love their coach, too. It went well, though. They got to see me play in person, especially with us playing in Pittsburgh at their stadium. They had a lot to say. It went good, though.”

In his four years with the Mountaineers, Ford-Wheaton posted 143 catches for 1867 yards and 15 touchdowns. His breakout season was this past year, posting a career-high 7 touchdowns and 675 yards on 62 catches. As such, this could be the big slot that Pittsburgh is looking for, and with Ford-Wheaton having experience all over the formation, the fit could make sense.