The Steelers may have reshaped their passing game, but Bleacher Report’s latest receiver rankings still left both of their biggest names sitting outside the top 35.
Damian Parson’s film-based list puts Pittsburgh’s D.K. Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr. in the reliable contributor tier, with Pittman coming in at No. 46 and Metcalf at No.
- That lands both wideouts well below the elite group, even though the Steelers have clearly invested in giving Aaron Rodgers more help in what the source notes is his final season.
Parson’s system breaks receivers down by hands, route running, football IQ, athleticism, YAC, and blocking, with each trait feeding into the final grade. The tiers range from backup & developmental all the way up to franchise cornerstone, and only Ja’Marr Chase earned that top label. JSN and Justin Jefferson were placed in the All-Pro tier, just one point behind Chase.
Pittman’s ranking came with an overall grade of 73. Parson described him as “a dependable, high-volume possession wide receiver” and praised the way he reads coverages after the snap.
He also highlighted Pittman’s work in the middle of the field, especially on in-breakers, where his size gives him an edge. Parson added that Pittman is comfortable doing the dirty work underneath and as a blocker, calling him “a consistent player with a safe floor and expectations.”
His best marks were in route running at 15 out of 20 and hands at 19 out of 25. The lowest score came in YAC, where Parson gave him a 4 out of 10.
Metcalf checked in one spot higher at No. 38 with a 74 overall. Parson called him “one of the most physically imposing receivers in the league” and said he remains a dangerous threat despite his productivity tapering off over the last two seasons. He also noted Metcalf’s ability to stress defenses after the catch, pointing to the mix of speed, acceleration, and strength that can let him either outrun defenders or run through them.
Parson’s write-up still leaves room for optimism if Pittsburgh’s offense takes a step forward under Mike McCarthy, who has taken over for Mike Tomlin. Metcalf’s strongest grades came in route running at 14 out of 20, hands at 18 out of 25, football IQ at 15 out of 20, and athleticism at 13 out of 15. Parson said Metcalf “remains a good and quality starting receiver and playmaker” and “is still capable of taking over games with above-average quarterback play.”
The Steelers also added Rico Dowdle and Michael Pittman Jr. to the mix, giving Rodgers more options in the passing game. For now, though, the rankings suggest Pittsburgh’s receiver room still has something to prove.
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