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As the 2027 NFL Draft approaches, the Pittsburgh Steelers have multiple roster holes to address. The quarterback position remains unresolved for the post-Aaron Rodgers era, the secondary lacks a long-term fixture, and the inside linebacker corps could lose a key contributor in free agency. However, the most pressing need might be at wide receiver, where the current approach has clearly fallen short.
Recent attempts to bolster the receiving room by trading for veterans like DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr. have not yielded the desired results, despite looking good on paper. That failure underscores the need for the Steelers to find a star playmaker through the draft, similar to how they landed Germie Bernard in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Fortunately, the 2027 class offers several intriguing options beyond top prospect Jeremiah Smith.
Nick Marsh – Indiana University
Nick Marsh has seamlessly stepped into the void left by Indiana's national championship-winning receiver group. A transfer from Michigan State, Marsh has already surpassed his full-season stats from his two years with the Spartans in just nine games. At 6'3", he possesses a rare blend of size, explosive burst off the line, and a knack for winning contested catches. Marsh would form an ideal tandem with Germie Bernard in Pittsburgh, complementing each other's skill sets. He is likely the highest-drafted player on this list, but that doesn't mean he'll be out of the Steelers' reach next spring.
Ryan Coleman-Williams – University of Alabama
Selecting a Crimson Tide player worked wonders for the Steelers last season, so why not dip into that well again? Ryan Coleman-Williams is an explosive slot receiver who can also line up outside, and he's remarkably young. He made his NCAA debut at just 17 and will be 20 during the 2027 NFL Draft. His ability to separate immediately off the line stands out—he may not be the biggest player, but he moves like the biggest, fastest, and strongest on the field. His fluid lower body allows him to leave defenders in the dust with a simple move, even despite some injuries during his college career. At 6'0", some teams might be wary, but if he falls to the second or third round, he'd be a steal for Pittsburgh.
Ryan Wingo – University of Texas
Texas has a pair of wide receivers drawing early draft projections, but Ryan Wingo is the most exciting. The 6'2", 215-pound junior from St. Louis, Missouri, dazzles with his speed after the catch. While criticisms about dropped passes and unrefined route-running are fair, those concerns fade when he has the ball in space. Wingo isn't the jump-ball specialist who will haul in every contested catch, but if you want a big, strong, explosive receiver who can beat man coverage on the outside, he offers immense upside.
Nyck Harbor – South Carolina
Nyck Harbor is a different breed altogether. The South Carolina product draws comparisons to DK Metcalf coming out of college. At 6'5" and 240 pounds, he's a matchup nightmare, and jump balls are his best friend. His huge frame and ability to high-point the ball are unmatched, and he can break away with speed in the open field. However, his route-running and run-blocking remain projects. Whichever team drafts him will need to develop those areas to make him an every-down receiver, but if that happens, he could become truly special.
Bryant Wesco Jr. – Clemson University
Clemson's Bryant Wesco Jr. is a true home-run hitter and currently the favorite receiver in the 2027 class. At 6'2", he possesses NFL speed and supreme agility, with a beautiful ability to get low and move in and out of breaks. He also has a productive history returning punts, which could inject life into Pittsburgh's struggling special teams. However, two major concerns loom: he underwent spinal surgery in 2025, and he's a rather thin receiver at 195 pounds (which might be generous). He can be outmuscled by defensive backs, and that trait could cause some teams to hesitate until the end of Day 2. Strengthening at the NFL level might alleviate that, but it's a risk the Steelers must weigh.
With these five prospects, the Steelers have a chance to finally solve their receiver woes and build a dynamic offense for the future.