Steelers' consolation prize: Best Day 2 WR options after Eagles steal Makai Lemon Expect Pittsburgh to quickly make amends for Thursday night's blunder
By Bryan DeArdo Apr 24, 2026 at 3:47 pm ET • 5 min read 
Getty Images It's safe to say Pittsburgh sports fans aren't very fond of Philadelphia right now. If the Flyers having a 3-0 series lead over the Penguins wasn't bad enough, the Eagles poured salt on the wound by literally stealing Makai Lemon away from them on Day 1 of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Steelers general manager Omar Khan was on the phone with Lemon when the Eagles traded picks with the Cowboys to draft the former USC receiver with the 20th overall pick. Pittsburgh was forced to pivot and used the 21st overall pick on former Arizona State offensive tackle Max Iheanachor.
Here’s USC WR Makai Lemon on the phone with the #Steelers and everyone going crazy…. And then he asks: “Why is Philly calling me?” Unreal. pic.twitter.com/nosU8Jhg9m
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) April 24, 2026
While they weren't able to land Lemon, the Steelers still have several strong receiving prospects to choose from over the final two days of the draft. And with 11 remaining picks, don't be surprised if Khan uses some of them to trade up from No. 53 overall to target a receiver in the second round, which kicks off Friday night at 7 p.m. ET.
Here's a rundown of the Steelers' best remaining receiving options.
Note: NFL Draft scouting reports via CBS Sports' prospect rankings.
Germie Bernard BAMA • WR • #5 Ranking: No. 40 (WR6) | Pro omp: Jarvis Landry View Profile Scouting report
Germie Bernard isn't an elite athlete, but he's dependable. He's where he needs to be when he needs to be there and posted a 2.9% drop rate in 2025, per TruMedia. Bernard offers inside-outside versatility and projects best as a complementary piece in an NFL passing game.
About
- 2025: Career highs in receptions (64), receiving yards (862) and receiving TD (7)
- 2025: Top five in the SEC in first-down receptions (42) and forced missed tackles on receptions (17)
Strengths
- Smooth operator who breaks down defenders in space
- Tough over the middle with a feel for settling in soft spots versus zone
- Alignment versatility; 43.0% of snaps from the slot over the past two years, per TruMedia
Weaknesses
- Questionable top-end speed
- Inconsistent winning at the catch point
- Must consistently defeat jams at the line of scrimmage
How Bernard fits with Steelers
Bernard was well-traveled in college, spending one year apiece at Michigan State and Washington before two seasons at Alabama. His career took off in Tuscaloosa; he caught 114 passes for 1,656 yards and nine touchdowns for the Crimson Tide while averaging 14.5 yards per reception.
A consistent performer, Bernard caught at least four passes in nine of Alabama's 14 games last season. He also delivered a series of critical catches, including a key touchdown in Alabama's regular-season win at Georgia.
Versatility is one of Bernard's best assets, as he can fill a variety of roles.
Why Alabama WR Germie Bernard might be the safest pick in the 2026 NFL Draft Ryan WilsonAlright Steelers please trade up for Germie Bernard. 🙏 This time actually do it…. pic.twitter.com/OJw0rIB8Jx
— PortersBurgh (@PortersBurgh) April 24, 2026
Antonio Williams CLEM • WR Ranking: No. 42 (WR7) | Pro comp: Christian Kirk View Profile Scouting report
Antonio Williams is a fluid slot receiver with the versatility to contribute on special teams. He's on the lighter side and has missed time due to injury, but he understands how to work in space and create yards after the catch. Williams can be productive in an NFL offense if he stays healthy.
About
- 2024-25: 15 receiving TD (led ACC)
- 2024: 11 receiving TD (led ACC)
Strengths
- Punt-return ability
- Uses his eyes and body well to sell route fakes
- Fluid, tough athlete who is comfortable with the ball in his hands
- 2.8% drop rate in 2025, per TruMedia
Weaknesses
- Missed 12 games due to injury over his career
- More fluid than explosive or fast
- Releases versus press coverage
How Williams fits with Steelers
Williams played his entire collegiate career at Clemson, catching 208 passes for 2,336 yards and 21 touchdowns over four seasons. In 2024, he led the ACC with 11 touchdown receptions while adding 75 catches for 904 yards.
His numbers dipped in 2025, when he caught 55 passes for 604 yards and four touchdowns and averaged just 11 yards per reception.
Pittsburgh needs a slot receiver, which is one reason Williams makes sense as a Day 2 option.
Antonio Williams is a dynamic and explosive WR. Big play waiting to happen pic.twitter.com/iurp49deaM
— Billy M (@BillyM_91) March 16, 2026
Denzel Boston WASH • WR • #12 Ranking: No. 45 (WR8) | Pro comp: Rome Odunze View Profile Scouting report
Denzel Boston is a big, powerful receiver who moves like a much smaller player. He's dangerous after the catch and tough to bring down in space. Boston can win at all three levels and adds value as both a blocker and returner. Bottom line: His size, strength and reliability make him a difficult matchup.
About
- 2025: 3.1% drop rate (62 receptions, 2 drops)
- 2025: Third-team All-Big Ten
Strengths
- Size and strength with running-back-like YAC ability
- Reliable hands and wide catch radius
- Physical blocker who adds value beyond receiving
Weaknesses
- Can look stiff on sharp direction changes
- Occasional body-catching tendency
How Boston fits with Steelers
Boston's physical style would mesh well with the Steelers, who value receivers willing to block in the run game. He also has a nose for the end zone, catching 20 touchdowns over his final two seasons at Washington.
115 seconds of fun Denzel Boston catches pic.twitter.com/i2RPysW8Uu
— Ian Hartitz (@Ihartitz) March 19, 2026
Brenen Thompson MISSST • WR Ranking: No. 50 (WR9) | Pro comp: Zay Flowers View Profile Scouing report
Brenen Thompson's career has taken him across the SEC, starting at Texas, then spending two seasons at Oklahoma before finishing at Mississippi State. His big-play ability didn't fully emerge until his time with the Bulldogs. He got open downfield at will last fall, averaging 18.5 yards per catch and topping 1,000 yards. Thompson is undersized and will face limitations, but he separates at a high level.
About
- Pre-draft: Led all NFL combine participants with a 4.26-second 40-yard dash
- 2025: Broke Mississippi State single-season receiving yards record (1,054)
Strengths
- Graceful, explosive mover with elite burst out of breaks
- Can run routes at angles and shows good body control
- Plus play strength for his size; fights to avoid contact
Weaknesses
- Tends to body-catch and will drop some passes
- Smaller frame and limited catch radius; unlikely to consistently work the middle of the field in the NFL
- Late bloomer with only one year of significant production
How Thompson fits with Steelers
Of the available receivers, Thompson's skill set may be the most complementary alongside DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr. While Metcalf and Pittman are bigger, more physical targets, Thompson is a home-run threat who could boost Pittsburgh's vertical attack. Their presence would also help ease his transition as he works to become a more complete receiver.
Turning on Brenen Thompson tape, extremely intrigued by what I've heard about his route running in combination with the 4.26 speed Look at this cushion lol pic.twitter.com/zfEElOhYhJ
— Jacob Gibbs (@jagibbs_23) April 19, 2026
Malachi Fields ND • WR Ranking: No. 63 (WR10) | Pro comp: Mohamed Sanu View Profile Scouting report
Malachi Fields broke out in his third season at Virginia with 58 catches for 811 yards in 2023. While the raw production hasn't spiked over the past two years, he has developed into a more complete receiver. Fields is one of the better possession targets in the class, pairing strong hands with an expansive catch radius. He may never be a high-end separator, but he can still win when covered.
About
- 2024: Third-team All-ACC
- Career: 15.0 yards per catch, 16 TD
Strengths
- Big wingspan and body control to finish outside his frame
- Outstanding hands; rarely drops the routine throw
- Smooth hips; can stop and snap back to the quarterback on hitches
Weaknesses
- Modest production; never topped 811 yards in a season
- Limited speed to stack corners vertically
- Not a full-route-tree receiver or movable chess piece
How Fields fits with Steelers
Fields appears to be the most realistic choice for the Steelers if they stand pat at No. 53 overall. While his skill set overlaps with Metcalf and Pittman, his overall ability still gives him a chance to carve out a role in Pittsburgh's offense.
Their presence could also create more big-play opportunities for Fields, who averaged an impressive 17.5 yards per reception during his lone season with the Fighting Irish. His reliable hands should also help him earn early trust from Pittsburgh's starting quarterback, whoever that may be.
Join the Conversation commentsHere is every one-on-one rep for Notre Dame WR Malachi Fields during the 2026 Senior Bowl: pic.twitter.com/HRkbCYrxzS
— Marcus Mosher (@Marcus_Mosher) January 30, 2026
