The Pittsburgh Steelers earned a 26-19 overtime victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday to improve to 4-2, yet questions linger about the long-term outlook at wide receiver despite recent production from the current group.
DK Metcalf and rookie Germie Bernard each hauled in 11 receptions in the win at Raymond James Stadium. Bernard’s overtime touchdown catch from Aaron Rodgers sealed the result after the Steelers rallied late.
Bernard, a second-round selection, has now delivered strong outings in consecutive weeks. He caught six passes for 80 yards against the Indianapolis Colts the previous Sunday before posting 11 receptions for 87 yards and the game-winner versus Tampa Bay.
Metcalf matched Bernard’s catch total against the Buccaneers, finishing with 11 grabs for 93 yards. The veteran has 30 receptions for 318 yards and one touchdown through six games.
Even with those contributions, one early projection for the 2027 NFL Draft has the Steelers addressing the position again in the first round. CBS Sports’ Josh Edwards mocked Pittsburgh selecting Indiana wide receiver Charlie Becker with the No. 8 overall pick.
Becker, listed at 6-foot-4 and 208 pounds, has recorded 39 catches for 694 yards and eight touchdowns in seven games this season. He is averaging 17.8 yards per reception.
In Indiana’s 19-15 loss to Ohio State on Saturday, Becker posted nine receptions for 165 yards. The performance came without a touchdown and against one of the top defenses in college football.
The junior also contributed during Indiana’s undefeated 2025 national championship run. He appeared in all 16 games, started eight, and caught four passes for 65 yards in the title game against Miami.
Edwards ranked Becker as the No. 9 overall prospect and second-best receiver in his mock. The projection noted that the Steelers could pivot to a quarterback if a preferred prospect is available, but the receiver option carried more weight based on current roster commitments.
“The D.K. Metcalf contract is awful,” Edwards wrote. He argued the team should not allow the deal to dictate future roster construction at the position.
Metcalf signed a four-year, $132 million extension after the Steelers acquired him from Seattle in 2025. The deal runs through the 2029 season, and his projected 2027 salary-cap charge sits at approximately $38.4 million.
The receiving corps has dealt with depth issues this season. Michael Pittman, acquired in the offseason, remains on injured reserve with a foot injury, and other contributors have also missed time.
Edwards described Bernard as more of a complementary piece rather than a long-term primary option. Recent production has challenged that view, however, as the rookie has handled increased targets effectively.
Adding a player such as Becker would provide another large outside target for head coach Mike McCarthy. It would also raise questions about target distribution and the handling of existing contracts at the position.
The mock draft order used Super Bowl odds from Oct. 17, before the Steelers reached 4-2. Their actual 2027 selection slot could shift based on the remainder of the current season.
Plenty of time remains before Pittsburgh makes its first choice next April. The combination of short-term results and longer-term contract realities continues to shape the conversation around the wide receiver room.
