Report: Steelers doing homework on first-round WRs, 'met extensively' with Texas' Xavier Worthy
The Steelers own the 20th pick of the NFL Draft. And they may be considering an elite receiver to gift new quarterback Russell Wilson.
What would Xavier Worthy, the fastest draft prospect look like in black and gold? The Steelers sent receivers coach Zach Azzanni to Austin to check out Worthy and fellow Longhorn Adonai Mitchell at the Texas pro day.
Azzanni met extensively with Worthy, who clocked a 4.21 40 in Indianapolis to break the combine record of 4.22 set seven years ago by John Ross. The Steelers are reworking their receiver room this off season, trading Diontae Johnson to Carolina, releasing Allen Robinson and signing Van Jefferson.
Will Steelers take advantage of deep class of elite receivers?
The first round of the NFL Draft will be stocked with elite receivers and the Steelers easily could land one of them at No. 20. The site Sportskeeda had a reporter at the workouts. The site said Worthy was a busy, busy prospect, meeting with the home state Cowboys, Tuesday night. The Texans, Patriots and Bears dominated Worthy’s time, Tuesday afternoon. Then the Steelers had their time 24 hours later.
Worthy weighed more than at combine and did on field drills
Worthy did on field drills, Wednesday, something he did not do in Indianapolis. Reports suggested that Worthy impressed. He also weighed 169 pounds, which was four more than at the combine. He tried to better some of his other testing numbers, but he let his 40 stand. Why mess with perfection.
Both Worthy and Mitchell could go in the first round. Mitchell, who transferred to Texas from Georgia for his one year in Austin, is much bigger than the wispy Worthy. Mitchell is also fast, although a 4.34 is not as impressive as a 4.21.
The Longhorns drew a crowd for pro day, with more than 100 scouts, coaches and front office personnel there to watch former Texas stars show off their football skills. The Longhorns could have three first rounders, with the two receivers and defensive tackle Byron Murphy.
The Steelers were well represented at some key, mid week pro days. Mike Tomlin and GM Omar Khan were at Alabama to check out some of the Crimson Tide first round defenders. Linebackers coach Aaron Curry was stationed at Ohio State to scout Steele Chambers and Tommy Eichenberg. Could the Steelers really draft a linebacker named Steele? Seems meant to be.
As Steelers fans are well aware, the team is trying to upgrade their offensive. They brought in Wilson and traded for Justin Fields. They made some moves at receivers. But running back seems solid with Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren.