The Pittsburgh Steelers head into the 2026 offseason with one clear objective: juice up an offense that struggled to stretch the field and lacked reliable weapons beyond DK Metcalf. That passing attack ranked 22nd in the league this past season, averaging just 202.4 yards per game - a number that speaks volumes about the need for reinforcements on the perimeter.
Metcalf did what he could, leading the team with 850 receiving yards, but the supporting cast - a rotating mix of Calvin Austin III, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, and veteran Adam Thielen - wasn’t enough to keep defenses honest. That’s why, in a recent 2026 NFL Draft projection, the Steelers were pegged to add a major spark to their receiving corps, selecting Texas A&M’s KC Concepcion with the No. 21 overall pick.
And make no mistake - Concepcion isn’t just another name on the draft board. At 5-foot-11 and 187 pounds, he brings a different flavor to the Steelers’ offense.
He’s a shifty, elusive playmaker who thrives in space and has a knack for turning short gains into chunk plays. Think of him as the perfect complement to Metcalf’s physical, vertical style - a yin to Metcalf’s yang, if you will.
Concepcion’s impact could be felt immediately, especially in an offense that hasn’t pushed the ball downfield much in recent seasons. According to NFL Next Gen Stats, Aaron Rodgers - who started the year under center for Pittsburgh - had the lowest average completed air yards in the league at just 3.3.
That’s not a typo. Only Brady Cook (5.3) and Dillon Gabriel (5.8) had lower average intended air yards than Rodgers’ 5.9.
The message is clear: this offense needs guys who can create after the catch.
That’s where Concepcion shines. His ability to get open quickly and make defenders miss in the open field adds a dynamic the Steelers have been sorely lacking. He also brings added value as a punt returner, where his vision and acceleration can flip field position in a heartbeat.
The Steelers weren’t the only team eyeing receiver help early in the draft. Concepcion was the fourth wideout off the board, following Ohio State’s Carnell Tate (No. 4 to the Titans), Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson (No. 13 to the Rams), and USC’s Makai Lemon (No. 16 to the Jets).
Cleveland, always looking to keep pace in the AFC North arms race, grabbed Washington’s Denzel Boston at No. 24.
As for Concepcion’s college résumé? It speaks for itself.
After transferring from NC State to Texas A&M, he put together a breakout junior season: 61 catches, 919 yards, and an SEC-leading nine touchdowns. Those numbers aren’t just impressive - they’re a sign that he’s ready for the next level.
If the Steelers do go this route in April, they won’t just be adding a receiver. They’ll be adding a playmaker - someone who can change the geometry of the field, open up space for Metcalf, and give their quarterback a much-needed spark. And in today’s NFL, that kind of versatility is worth its weight in gold.