The black and gold have spent the last half-decade trying to recreate the sustained success of their 2010s offense, but the receiver production has yet to match their efforts. As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, a potential late-round fit for the Pittsburgh Steelers could be Louisville wide receiver Ja’Corey Brooks.
The Pittsburgh Steelers Should Target Louisville WR Ja’Corey Brooks In The 2025 NFL Draft
In recent years, the Pittsburgh Steelers have often made the playoffs and boasted an elite defense, but they have consistently failed to make deep runs. Their Achilles heel has continued to be their offense and a pure lack of explosiveness. They’ve tried different offensive coordinators, different quarterbacks, and different schemes. But alas, the desperately needed increase in chunk, momentum-shifting plays has yet to appear.
A Potential Answer
Many Steelers fans have pointed to the absence of a true top-of-the-line receiver as the main catalyst behind the issue. Former second-round pick George Pickens has flashed in his first three years, but attitude issues and consistency issues have prevented him from becoming a premier target. A potential trade for 49ers receiver Brandon Aiyuk in the 2024 offseason and inconsequential moves, such as trading for New York Jets receiver Mike Williams, have given fans hope of change.
They’ve shown that the team has a desire to improve the passing offense, but results have simply not followed. The appeal of adding a star will always be most fans’ top option, but role-specific acquisitions could also be highly effective. With rumors swirling about the team’s brass targeting wideouts in the upcoming NFL Draft, Louisville wide receiver Ja’Corey Brooks is a prospect that fits the mold well.
Ja’Corey Brooks Scouting Report
The 6’3”, 195-pound Cardinal has had a tumultuous collegiate career after being ranked a five-star recruit in 2021. His blend of height and speed finally allowed him to break out in 2024, crossing the 1,000-yard mark for the first time. When turning on his tape, the smoothness he shows and the body transitions he makes immediately stand out. Physicality concerns and overall rawness in his game make him somewhat of a one-trick pony, but lucky for the Steelers, that’s the one trick that they need.
His 2024 season finally justified his long-sustained future draft hype, and he’s become a solid late-round option. He competed at the East-West Shrine Bowl and ran drills at the 2025 NFL Combine, continuing to show off the great aspects of his game. The middle of this year’s WR draft class contains dozens of highly skilled wideouts. The slew of prospects worth gambling on means Brooks is likely to be available on the third day of the draft, a position that he could outperform.
The Bottom Line
The Steelers need to increase the vertical abilities of their receiver room, plain and simple. Their attempts to revamp the offense have fallen flat for the most part, and they require more speed and explosiveness. Adding a star at the top of the depth chart isn’t close to off the table, but the team also has to sure up the edges. Ja’Corey Brooks would give the Pittsburgh Steelers the dose of deep-threat skills they’re crying out for. He wouldn’t cost a high draft pick, would allow them to round out their offense perfectly, and could help take the entire team to new heights and playoff victories.
Main Photo: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
