PITTSBURGH, PA — The Pittsburgh Steelers enter the 2026 NFL Draft with a clear identity under new head coach Mike McCarthy: size. With DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr. already on the roster, the front office is hunting for a technical route runner to round out the room. Analytics from the 2025 regular season reveal a clear trio of “man-coverage beaters” who could solve Pittsburgh’s search for separation.
The Gold Standard: Zachariah Branch
If you want a receiver who makes life easy for a quarterback, look no further than Georgia’s Zachariah Branch. While traditional scouting focuses on 40 times, the advanced data from 2025 tells a more dominant story. Branch finished the season with a perfect 158.3 QB rating when targeted in man coverage. He didn’t just win his matchups; he erased them.
Branch also clocked the highest yards per route run (YPRR) against man-to-man looks in this entire draft class. For a Steelers offense that faced heavy press coverage late last year, Branch offers the explosive release McCarthy craves. Pittsburgh held a private Pro Day dinner with Branch last month, a move that historically signals high interest from the 412. He is the twitchy, technical answer to the “big-bodied” receivers currently clogging the depth chart.
The Red Zone Threat: Denzel Boston
While Branch wins with speed, Washington’s Denzel Boston wins with sheer dominance at the catch point. Boston led the nation in 2025 with eight touchdowns against man coverage. He stands 6-foot-4 and weighs 212 pounds, fitting the “giant” archetype that defines the current Steelers roster.
- Total Targets vs. Man: 38
- Touchdowns: 8 (Class Leader)
- Contested Catch Rate: 68%
The Steelers hosted Boston for a formal pre-draft visit in early April. NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah has mocked Boston to Pittsburgh multiple times, citing his ability to “play above the rim.” Pairing Boston with Metcalf would give the Steelers two of the most physically imposing vertical threats in the AFC North. He isn’t a burner, but he knows how to use his frame to shield defenders, a skill that translates immediately to the pro game.
The Polished Technician: Carnell Tate
If the Steelers prioritize “football IQ” and route-running discipline, Ohio State’s Carnell Tate is the selection. Tate spent the 2025 season proving he is far more than just a second option. He posted a 142.1 QB rating against man coverage and earned Second-team AP All-American honors. Tate understands leverage better than perhaps any receiver in this class.
Tate met with the Steelers leadership formally in Indianapolis. His 875 receiving yards last season came mostly against top-tier Big Ten cornerbacks who tried to play him tight. He lacks the “wow” speed of Branch, but his 4.53-second 40-yard dash at the Combine showed enough juice to stay vertical. He is a high-floor prospect who could start in the slot or at the “Z” position on day one.
What’s Next for the Steelers Draft
The 2026 draft kicks off in exactly one week right here in Pittsburgh. The Steelers hold the 20th overall pick, putting them in the “sweet spot” for this receiver tier. Expect the front office to prioritize Branch if he falls, but don’t be shocked if Boston is the name called. The goal is simple: find someone who can win when the defender is in their hip pocket. Based on the 2025 data, these three are the only logical choices.
