Coming out of OTAs, Mark Kaboly of The Athletic says that he'd call Van Jefferson the Steelers' No. 2 WR "right now." He added that the answer certainly isn't clear yet. "To be honest, you can throw [Quez] Watkins, [Cordarrelle] Patterson, Calvin Austin III, Scotty Miller, Marquez Callaway and Denzel Mims in there as well," Kaboly writes. Notably, he didn't include Round 3 rookie Roman Wilson in that group. Kaboly also says he expects the team to "add a legit No. 2" before the start of the regular season.
"It would show a lack of awareness and urgency if they don't," Kaboly writes, on the Steelers potentially acquiring a starter-level WR before the season.
Nick Farabaugh of SteelersNow: "Right now, Wilson would be the favorite to land the WR2 job to start the season. Even if the team does make an outside move like some expect, Wilson’s role as the season goes along projects to expand."
It's too early to know how the Pittsburgh WR depth chart will sort out -- especially if there really is a chance they'll trade for a veteran.
The lack of inclusion for Wilson in this particular report, though, suggests he didn't do much to standout in initial workouts and worked behind others in drills. It's just one writer's take, but we haven't seen much else from OTAs to contradict that yet.
At the least, consider this a reminder that Wilson isn't a lock to start in his first season. His current Round 13 best ball ADP isn't outlandish. But it does assume he's the clear WR2 in Pittsburgh. He should probably go later.
That said, there's not enough upside to make Jefferson, Patterson, or any other WR2 candidate in Pittsburgh especially attractive. They're considerations for your final couple of rounds at best.
Wilson undoubtedly looks like the second-best long-term bet among Steelers WRs (behind George Pickens, of course) right now. That could change, however, if Pittsburgh does trade for a vet (Brandon Aiyuk? Courtland Sutton?).
The rookie looks good for dynasty purposes but also isn't a thrilling option there. Keep in mind that Wilson was a third-rounder and the 14th WR selected. He ranked no higher than third on his college team in receptions until his senior year.
Landing in an offense with a weak WR depth chart might present earlier opportunity, but it doesn't strengthen him as a prospect.
There's potential for Steelers WRs to move in our rankings as the summer provides depth-chart clarity. We're not moving Wilson or any other Pittsburgh wideout on this report, though.
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