KC Concepcion and Omar Cooper are ideal wide receiver candidates for the Pittsburgh Steelers, aligning with Mike McCarthy's vision for versatility in the 2026 NFL Draft. McCarthy emphasizes the importance of adaptable players to enhance quarterback performance.
Key points
KC Concepcion and Omar Cooper fit Mike McCarthy's ideal WR mold
McCarthy values versatility in wide receivers
Adaptable receivers benefit the quarterback's performance
McCarthy prefers not to limit smaller receivers to slot roles
If the Pittsburgh Steelers are looking to add a wide receiver in the 2026 NFL Draft, Texas A&M's KC Concepcion and Indiana's Omar Cooper fit the mold of what Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy is looking for.
McCarthy touched on that mold during his pre-draft presser in which he said the team wants players who are versatile, meaning they can line up in different spots.
McCarthy believes having those types of targets will benefit the quarterback, which his system is built around doing.
“I just never, ever viewed having a smaller receiver just to run slot plays,” he said “I don’t like to play that way. I don’t play that way, frankly. And because our offensive system is built around making a quarterback successful. When you have to run concepts in a pass game dictated on this receiver can do this and this receiver can do that, then you don’t have the ability to move around them as much.
“So when you can move players around, now you challenge the defense and you can create more matchups, and you keep things simpler for the quarterback.”
Do the Steelers need a wide receiver?
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Dk Metcalf
Q&A
Who are the top wide receiver prospects for the Steelers in the 2026 NFL Draft?
KC Concepcion from Texas A&M and Omar Cooper from Indiana are highlighted as top prospects.
What qualities does Mike McCarthy seek in a wide receiver for the Steelers?
McCarthy looks for versatile players who can line up in different positions to benefit the quarterback.
How does McCarthy's offensive system influence receiver selection?
His system prioritizes adaptability in receivers to enhance offensive strategies and quarterback success.
What did Mike McCarthy say about smaller receivers in his pre-draft presser?
McCarthy stated he prefers not to use smaller receivers solely for slot plays, emphasizing the need for versatility.
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Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Dk Metcalf
Jan 12, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Dk Metcalf (4) leaves the field following an AFC Wild Card Round loss to the Houston Texans at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images
The Steelers don't have a dire need at wide receiver given the fact they just traded for Michael Pittman Jr. this offseason, but there is an issue when it comes to reliable options behind Pittman and DK Metcalf.
Pittsburgh has done next to nothing at the position outside of the trade for Pittman, and that leaves the team in a position where it has to depend on Roman Wilson as the No. 3 target.
Blame that on Wilson, the mishandling of him by the previous Steelers staff, or both, but the Michigan product has caught just 12 balls for 166 yards and two touchdowns over 14 games in two seasons.
Ideally, the Steelers add another receiver to push Wilson to the No. 4 role, and that someone could potentially step into a starting role in 2027 if the Steelers decide to bail on what has been a disappointing Metcalf experiment thus far.
KC Concepcion, Omar Cooper fit Steelers' mold
Imagn Images
Adding a wide receiver in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft might seem like overkill based on Pittsburgh's situation, but Tony Pauline of Essentially Sports is reporting that is on the table for the Steelers in Round 1.
"I’m told Cooper is in play for the Pittsburgh Steelers at pick No. 21 despite trading for Michael Pittman," he said.
Concepcion would add a much-needed explosive element to Pittsburgh's offense with his ability to be a downfield threat and yards-after-catch menace in the shallower parts of the field.
Cooper is a slightly bigger target who uses strength more than speed to create yards after the catch. He is more in the mold of a receiver like Metcalf and is an ideal red-zone target with his contested-catch prowess.
The one thing these two players have in common is they are versatile and can line up in different spots.
Cooper was primarily a slot receiver in his final season at Indiana but is more than capable of playing on the outside. Meanwhile, Concepcion is also capable of working at of both areas.
Either one would give McCarthy the options he's looking for at wide receiver and Concepcion and Cooper should be considered realistic targets for Pittsburgh on opening night.
