NFL Draft 2019: 5 sleepers the Steelers should draft in the first round
By Joe Romano
Hakeem Butler, WR, Iowa State
A position that is quietly discussed as a need for Pittsburgh is wide receiver. JuJu Smith-Schuster is in place to take over for Antonio Brown. Last year’s third round pick James Washington steps into the second receiver role. Free agent signing Donte Moncrief will get a crack at the third spot with Eli Rodgers factoring in as well. That’s a solid room but a ton of question marks. Given the advanced age of Ben Roethlisberger Pittsburgh could look to add more talent in an effort to give Roethlisberger’s heir a better situation.
Hakeem Butler of Iowa State fits what the Steelers look for in an athletic profile. One of the best movers at his size, Butler profiles as a true alpha number one receiver. He’d enable Smith-Schuster to move around the formation while Butler is primarily a boundary receiver. His ability to win at every level would help any quarterback throwing him the ball.
This may be a stretch for a few reasons. Butler may already be off the board, depending on when the run on wide receivers occurs. Second there are a ton of other spots where Pittsburgh can upgrade where there already is not a Pro Bowl player in place. Finally, Pittsburgh’s ability to develop wide receivers will allow them to wait on the position instead of taking one with a premium pick.
The Steelers are clearly looking to upgrade at receiver. Of their 30 visits, they’ve spent nine on receivers. That is the most capital they’ve spent on any position in the pre-draft process. It’s a good bet they select a receiver and Butler is a name to watch.