The focus of the Pittsburgh Steelers has remained firmly on enhancing their wide receiver squadron as the 2025 NFL Draft nears, with receivers coach Zach Azzanni being a constant presence on scouting tours. Azzanni continues to thoroughly explore the potential pool of wide receivers that could join the Steelers’ front line.
The recent Ole Miss professional training day became the latest site of interest for Azzanni, where he centered his attention towards potential top draft prospects, among which was upcoming star Tre Harris, who is expected to be picked in the second round of the draft. In terms of taste and selection, Azzanni remains arguably the most active among the coaches at Steelers, consistently being involved in the pre-draft process.
Earlier in the month, Azzanni marked his presence at the Tennessee pro day where he observed another potential draft prospect, Dont’e Thornton. His scouting excursions also took him to the Big 12 pro day, attracting him to the talents of Jack Bech and Savion Williams from TCU and Jayden Higgins along with Jaylin Noel from Iowa State, lending further variety to the mix of potential draft prospects.
His continuous engagement in the evaluation process was also seen at Pitt on Wednesday where he attended to scout Konata Mumpfield. On his visit to Ole Miss, Azzanni also took note of Antwane Wells Jr. and Jordan Watkins, both likely to be considered late in the draft.
Carving a name in the wide receivers segment is Tre Harris, a stellar player that had a remarkable college tenure stretching over five seasons, split between Louisiana Tech and Ole Miss. His record-breaking proficiency was seen in 2024 when he accumulated an astonishing 1,030 yards from 60 catches within just eight games.
This remarkable achievement further augmented his career record despite an unforeseen absence on account of a groin injury. Standing at 6-foot-2 3/8 and weighing 205 pounds, Harris demonstrates an exceptional talent for making combat catches, a skill greatly benefitted by his 38 1/2-inch vertical leap.
His physical gradings are further boosted by a 4.54-second 40-yard sprint and a 9.21 score on the Relative Athletic Scale at the NFL Combine. At present, his name occupies the 59th spot in the NFL Mock Draft Database consensus big board – an establishment of his standing among the league’s prospective talent.
Apart from Harris, the Steelers’ scouting pursuits also consist of a wide range of receivers slated for selection on the second day of the draft. This notably includes talent like Bech, Higgins, Noel, Williams, Elic Ayomanor from Stanford, Isaiah Bond from Texas, and Tory Horton from Colorado State.
The team’s management hasn’t remained distanced from these first-hand evaluations, gaining information from Azzanni’s observations. Various key individuals from the Steelers’ administration, including general manager Omar Khan, head coach Mike Tomlin, and offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, have all actively participated in the scouting process.
The trio’s engagement was evident during the pro days of Ohio State’s Emeka Egbuka and Texas’ Matthew Golden, hinting at the potential that these individuals might shift within the team’s balance, particularly at the No. 21 pick in the draft.
It becomes evident that the Steelers are leaving no stones unturned in their quest for the best talent to bolster their wide receiver corps. The involvement of their coaching staff in actively seeking out potential fits has created a dynamic environment in the lead-up to the 2025 NFL Draft.
The importance of the forthcoming draft in shaping up the Steelers’ future offensive line is undeniable. The team’s concentrated effort in scouting potential wide receivers is a clear sign of their initiative in strengthening this key area. The blend of dedication and expert evaluation is giving the Steelers a comprehensive picture of the talent pool available in the draft.
In the journey to round up the strongest squad, top contenders and lesser-known prospects alike are thoroughly assessed. The approach of considering a range of players, regardless of their projected draft round, demonstrates the thoroughness of the Steelers’ scouting process, from projected early picks right through to potential surprises in the late rounds.
The collective effort of the Steelers’ administrative and coaching staff in this endeavour further underscores its significance. Particular attention to direct observations during pro days indicates the dedication towards making informed decisions on the potential fits for the team.
Based on current trends, the focus remains on picking a strong wide receiver to enhance the Steelers’ offensive capabilities. Whether the choice falls among favorites like Harris or late-round surprises, one thing remains certain – every effort is being made to ensure that the Steelers go into the new NFL season with a bolstered wide receiver team.
As the clock counts down towards the 2025 NFL Draft, the Steelers remain dedicated to enhancing their wide receiver corps. With a thorough examination of potential draft fits and intensive scouting efforts, the Steelers ensure they’re well-equipped to make strategic decisions when draft day finally arrives.