Steelers Predicted To Select 23-TD WR in 2026 NFL Draft and Form Explosive Duo With DK Metcalf
The 2026 NFL Draft is already cooking up storylines, and one of the spiciest might be brewing in the Pittsburgh Steelers. With DK Metcalf putting up WR1 numbers and the Pittsburgh Steelers still searching for that missing spark after moving on from George Pickens, the offense feels one weapon away from being downright terrifying.
Right now, one emerging college star is starting to look like the perfect fix.
What Would Jordyn Tyson Bring to the Pittsburgh Steelers Offense?
Arizona State wide receiver Jordyn Tyson has gone from an under-the-radar transfer to a full-blown problem for Big 12 defenses. He leads the conference with 57 catches in just seven games, dominating as a yards-after-catch machine and proving he is more than just a volume guy. The production, the tape, and the intangibles are all lining up at the perfect time for a receiver-needy team like the Steelers.
Jacob Infante of PFSN projected that the Steelers would select Arizona State WR Tyson in the 2026 NFL Draft, using the current draft order in the PFSN 2026 NFL Mock Draft Simulator as the baseline. The idea is simple: drop Tyson into an offense where DK Metcalf is already thriving, and rebuild the passing game around a new dynamic duo after the Pickens trade left a clear void opposite Metcalf.
Tyson’s rise has been rapid and earned. The former three-star transfer from Colorado has turned into Arizona State’s undisputed offensive centerpiece in Tempe. He nearly hit the 100-yards-per-game mark heading into Week 6 against Utah. He showcased his toughness and impact in ASU’s 26-22 win over Texas Tech, posting 105 yards and a touchdown on 10 grabs before exiting with a hamstring injury. That performance pushed him to 628 yards on 57 receptions with eight scores, all while setting the tone as a leader in the Sun Devils’ locker room.
From there, Tyson’s game checks boxes that translate on Sundays. He is explosive out of his breaks, manipulates leverage against man coverage, and consistently creates separation with sharp stems and advanced route nuance. His YAC ability stems from real agility and ball-carrier vision, not just scheme-free plays.
He is also a willing run blocker, which fits the physical identity the Steelers typically demand from their receivers. That polish has him in the national WR1 conversation alongside names like Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith and USC’s Makai Lemon.
The draft community is already all-in. Longtime ESPN NFL Draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. currently ranks Tyson as the second-best receiver and the ninth overall player on his 2026 Big Board. Kiper highlighted Tyson’s chemistry with quarterback Sam Leavitt and his ability to win even when covered, saying:
“The Colorado transfer has teamed up with quarterback Sam Leavitt to light up defenses for two seasons now. Tyson’s superpower is being open even when it looks like he’s completely blanketed. It makes him essentially uncoverable in the red zone. He wins on 50-50 balls and outmuscles defensive backs. His 116 receiving yards after first contact rank inside the top 20 nationwide.”
In the Steelers, that skill set would slide perfectly next to DK Metcalf, who has 32 receptions for 502 yards and five touchdowns through nine games in the 2025-26 season. Metcalf has been a steady WR1, but defenses can key on him without another actual threat outside. Pairing Metcalf’s physical dominance with Tyson’s separation, YAC juice, and advanced route running could instantly rewire the Steelers’ passing ceiling. Currently, the Steelers rank 15th according to PFSN’s Offense Impact (OFFi).
Other franchises, such as the Tennessee Titans searching for a top target for franchise QB Cam Ward, or the New Orleans Saints, who are stockpiling elite talent wherever they can find it, will absolutely have Tyson circled on their boards. But if Infante’s PFSN projection holds, the Steelers might get the shot to reset their receiver room in one pick. If that happens, the phrase “Metcalf and Tyson” could start haunting defensive coordinators across the AFC.
