While the quarterback position in Pittsburgh needs to be addressed as soon as possible, the same is true for the wide receiver position. As the Steelers await an answer from legendary quarterback Aaron Rodgers on whether or not he wants to return in 2026, they are currently doing their homework on notable wide receiver prospects at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis.
According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s Christopher Carter, the Steelers met in person with Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate. After not having a 1,000-yard pass-catcher on offense in former head coach Mike Tomlin’s final season, the Steelers and new head coach Mike McCarthy are putting a lot of emphasis on that position in the pre-draft process.
Tate is one of several wide receiver prospects that has had the opportunity to be interviewed formally by the Pittsburgh brass in Indianapolis.
Carnell Tate Could Stretch the Field for the Pittsburgh Steelers
GettyOhio State wide receiver Carnell Tate is looking to make his mark in the NFL after a strong college career.
The simple fact of the matter is that the Steelers could use some more juice and youth in their wide receiver corps. Despite trading for and inking Pro Bowl wide receiver DK Metcalf to a $132 million extension last offseason, the former Seahawk recorded the lowest receiving output of his seven-year career (850 yards).
Furthermore, the team didn’t have another pass-catcher eclipse 500 yards receiving. Veteran tight end Pat Freiermuth and team MVP Kenneth Gainwell were tied for second on the team in receiving with 486 yards. This offense, now under McCarthy, needs an explosive threat. That is where Tate could come into play.
In Columbus last season, the former national champion was outstanding at stressing defensive backs. He ranked third in the Big Ten in receiving average (17.2 YPC). If Pittsburgh were to select him, he could bring about great balance to the offense’s air attack.
Mike McCarthy’s Strong History with the Wide Receiver Position
GettyNew Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy built a strong pedigree on offense during his time in both Green Bay and Dallas.
One of the many reasons why Mike McCarthy was hired to be the next head coach in the Steel City was because of his reputation as an offensive play-caller. Being the steward of many prolific offenses over the years, especially with Aaron Rodgers as his starting quarterback, the former Super Bowl champion head coach deserves a lot of respect for identifying great wide receivers in the pre-draft process.
While with the Green Bay Packers for nearly 13 seasons (2006-2018), he drafted several top-tier pass-catchers. The likes of Greg Jennings, Jordy Nelson, Randall Cobb, and Davante Adams were all selected by McCarthy and the Packers brass. Those selections all came outside of the first round of the draft, as well. Each of those players has been or is on track to be elected to the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame. During his tenure with the Dallas Cowboys (2020-2024), McCarthy helped draft and develop All-Pro wide receiver CeeDee Lamb.
Being able to identify a great wide receiver, especially in the pre-draft process, when a coach has not necessarily had the chance to work with said wide receiver, is incredibly tough. Yet, McCarthy has done just that time and time again. Do not be surprised if Pittsburgh takes a chance on a player like Tate in late April.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Pittsburgh Steelers Hold NFL Combine Interview with Former National Champion Wide Receiver: Report appeared first on Heavy Sports.