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Pro Football Focus's Bradley Locker predicted the Pittsburgh Steelers to trade up in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft to grab Omar Cooper Jr. to complement DK Metcalf.
The Pittsburgh Steelers added two key receivers through trades the past 13 months — DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr. Pro Football Focus’s Bradley Locker sees the team potentially doing it again in the 2026 NFL Draft.
In his latest 2026 NFL mock draft, Locker predicted the Steelers to move up five spots to No. 16 overall. With the last pick in the top half of the first round, the Steelers took Indiana receiver Omar Cooper Jr. in Locker’s mock.
“Boasting a league-high 12 selections this year, the Steelers are a team to monitor regarding a trade-up in either the first or second round — and the transaction-minded Jets could oblige,” wrote Locker. “Pittsburgh will need possibly two starting-caliber offensive linemen, but new head coach Mike McCarthy may elect to round out his receiving corps instead.
“Cooper’s skill after the catch (career 6.6 yards after the catch per reception) and run-blocking acumen complement D.K. Metcalf and newcomer Michael Pittman Jr. very well.”
Cooper was the leading receiver on the national champion Hoosiers last season. The wideout posted 69 catches for 937 receiving yards with 13 touchdowns. He also had 74 rushing yards and a score on the ground.
In Pittsburgh, Cooper could become an immediate impactful receiver in the slot.
GettyPro Football Focus’s Bradley Locker predicted the Pittsburgh Steelers to trade up in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft to grab Omar Cooper Jr. to complement DK Metcalf.
The Steelers have a rich history of hitting on receivers in the second and third rounds. But that hasn’t happened as often lately. That’s caused the team to use the trade market to bolster the position with Metcalf and Pittman.
If the Steelers add a receiver in the first round, they will be doing so for the first time since Santonio Holmes in 2006. Interestingly, the Steelers moved up in the first round to grab Holmes that year.
NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein hyped Cooper’s versatility. But at least initially, Cooper could be a huge draw for the Steelers because of his slot play.
Entering the 2026 NFL Draft, Roman Wilson is the team’s starting slot receiver.
“Big, strong target whose two-year rise is bolstered by translatable tape,” wrote Zierlein. “While he was a full-time slot receiver in 2025, Cooper has played outside, as well.
“Cooper is an ascending slot bully with Day 2 value.”
The team still has high hopes for the former third-round pick. But Wilson has just 12 catches in two seasons.
GettyNFL draft analysts predict Indiana wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. to be a first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
As Locker mentioned, the Steelers have the most selections in the 2026 NFL Draft. Team pundits saw general manager Omar Khan accumulating draft capital the past year or so to try and acquire a quarterback in the 2026 draft.
That doesn’t appear likely, though, given the lack of trade up candidates at quarterback this spring.
The Steelers could make trades to push their draft capital into 2027 when the quarterback class could be stronger. But the team may also be aggressive in filling their other needs, using the picks to move up to ensure landing preferred prospects.
Trading up to get Cooper would be a prime example of that.
The last time the Steelers traded up in the first round was 2023. They moved three spots that spring to select offensive tackle Broderick Jones at No. 14 overall.
Dave Holcomb is a sports reporter covering the NFL and MLB for Heavy.com, with a focus on the Pittsburgh Steelers and a variety of other NFL teams. Originally from Pittsburgh, Holcomb has covered college and professional sports for outlets including FanSided, Rotowire and Yardbarker. More about Dave Holcomb
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