The Pittsburgh Steelers have selected 18 wide receivers since they last chose a wideout in the first round of the NFL draft. But on March 19, ESPN’s Mel Kiper predicted that streak to end.

In his newest NFL mock draft, Kiper projected the Steelers to select LSU wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. to replace Diontae Johnson.

“For new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith to really thrive, the Steelers should add a replacement for wideout Diontae Johnson, who was traded to Carolina,” wrote Kiper.

“Thomas, who ran a 4.33-second 40-yard dash at the combine, has a tremendous blend of speed and size (6-foot-3). He caught 17 touchdown passes last season, leading the FBS. Pittsburgh had just 13 total touchdown passes in 2023. Thomas and George Pickens could form an exciting pass-catching duo.”

The Steelers traded Johnson to the Carolina Panthers for cornerback Donte Jackson on March 12. Without Johnson, George Pickens is the only returning Pittsburgh receiver who had more than 200 receiving yards last season.

On March 15, the Steelers signed veteran receiver Van Jefferson. But his addition shouldn’t change Pittsburgh’s other plans at wideout.

Jefferson had 209 receiving yards with 20 catches in 17 games with the Los Angeles Rams and Atlanta Falcons last season.

If the Steelers select a wide receiver in the first round, it will break a long Day 1 draft drought at that position for Pittsburgh. The last time the Steelers selected a first-round wide receiver was Santonio Holmes in 2006.