Pittsburgh Steelers Projected to Land Dynamic Ohio State Star: A Potential Game-Changer for the Black and Gold
The Pittsburgh Steelers, one of the most storied franchises in NFL history, are never far from the headlines during the draft season, and the 2025 NFL Draft is shaping up to be no different. As the Steelers look to strengthen their roster and build on their rich legacy, their eyes are set on a game-changing player from one of the most elite programs in college football: Ohio State. The dynamic star who has captured the attention of NFL scouts, analysts, and fans alike is none other than Ohio State’s standout wide receiver, Marvin Harrison Jr.
Marvin Harrison Jr., a name that resonates across the football world due to his undeniable skill, pedigree, and potential, has had an electrifying college career that has caught the attention of the Steelers’ brass. With the NFL Draft approaching, the Steelers have become increasingly projected to land Harrison Jr., a move that would immediately bolster their offense and provide them with a weapon capable of transforming their aerial attack. While it’s still early, and much of the draft landscape remains fluid, the potential pairing of Harrison Jr. with the Steelers is a tantalizing proposition.
This article takes a closer look at why the Pittsburgh Steelers are so heavily linked to Marvin Harrison Jr. and how his arrival could reshape their offense for years to come.
The Legacy of the Pittsburgh Steelers: A Strong Foundation for Success
The Pittsburgh Steelers are a franchise with a rich history of success, producing Hall of Famers, winning Super Bowls, and maintaining a consistently competitive presence in the AFC. With a focus on defense as the cornerstone of their success over the years, the Steelers’ franchise has been built on tough, physical football. However, in recent seasons, it has become clear that the team needs to evolve and revitalize its offense to remain a true contender in the modern NFL.
For years, the Steelers were led by future Hall of Fame quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, whose departure following the 2021 season left a major void. As the franchise continues its transition into a new era, one of the key areas the team must address is the offensive side of the ball, particularly the receiving corps. Despite having talented players like Diontae Johnson, George Pickens, and Pat Freiermuth, the Steelers’ wide receiver unit has been inconsistent at times, often lacking the elite playmaking ability needed to compete with the league’s top offenses.
With quarterback Kenny Pickett entering his second year and gaining valuable experience under center, the Steelers are in a prime position to add a dynamic weapon to their offensive arsenal. Enter Marvin Harrison Jr. – the Ohio State star whose combination of size, speed, and route-running ability could be the missing piece the Steelers have been searching for.
Who is Marvin Harrison Jr.?
Before diving into the specific ways that Harrison Jr. could fit with the Steelers, let’s take a closer look at who he is as a player.
Marvin Harrison Jr. is the son of NFL Hall of Famer Marvin Harrison, a legendary wide receiver who played 13 seasons with the Indianapolis Colts. Much like his father, Harrison Jr. has displayed remarkable skill as a wide receiver. Standing at 6 feet 4 inches and weighing in at around 205 pounds, Harrison Jr. has the ideal size for a modern-day NFL wide receiver. He possesses elite speed and a sudden burst off the line of scrimmage, which allows him to create separation from defenders effortlessly.
But it’s not just his physical tools that make him a standout player. Harrison Jr. is known for his exceptional route-running ability, football IQ, and hands. His ability to separate from defenders in all areas of the field – whether it’s on deep routes, underneath routes, or quick slants – makes him a nightmare for opposing defenses. He’s an incredibly polished receiver with the ability to make difficult catches look routine, even in high-pressure situations.
In his time at Ohio State, Harrison Jr. has compiled impressive stats, including multiple 1,000-yard receiving seasons and numerous touchdowns. His breakout year came in 2023, where he racked up 1,400 yards and 16 touchdowns, showcasing his explosive ability to make plays in both the short and long game. His ability to dominate in key matchups and on big stages only cemented his status as one of the top wide receiver prospects in recent memory.
Given his lineage, size, and skillset, Marvin Harrison Jr. has been projected by many analysts as a top-five pick in the upcoming NFL Draft. His versatility as a receiver and his potential to be a true number-one option for an NFL team has led to speculation that the Pittsburgh Steelers could be one of the teams best positioned to land him.
The Steelers’ Need for a Top Wide Receiver
The Steelers have found their future quarterback in Kenny Pickett, a young signal-caller who has shown promise in his early NFL career. However, one of the biggest questions heading into the 2025 season is whether the Steelers have enough talent on offense to take their game to the next level. While they boast talented wide receivers, a true number-one target has been missing from their roster.
Diontae Johnson and George Pickens both have the potential to be reliable, contributing receivers. Johnson’s speed and route-running ability make him a valuable asset, while Pickens’ physicality and explosiveness give him a high ceiling as a deep threat. But neither of them has fully stepped into the role of a true “alpha” receiver capable of carrying the offense when needed. The Steelers’ offense has struggled with consistency, and although the run game has been strong with Najee Harris, the lack of a dominant wide receiver has held them back in crucial moments.
This is where Harrison Jr. could make a major impact. With his ability to take over games, both inside and outside the numbers, Harrison Jr. would provide Pickett with an elite weapon in the passing game, something the Steelers have lacked in recent seasons. His size and route-running would make him a constant mismatch for defenders, and his ability to track the ball in the air and make contested catches would elevate the Steelers’ passing game to new heights. In short, he could be the playmaker the Steelers need to compete with the NFL’s most prolific offenses.
The Fit: Marvin Harrison Jr. and the Pittsburgh Steelers Offense
The Steelers run a balanced offensive attack that emphasizes both the run game and the pass game. With Matt Canada as the offensive coordinator, Pittsburgh has leaned on a strong ground game to set up play-action opportunities, while also attempting to incorporate more passing concepts into their system. The addition of a player like Marvin Harrison Jr. would open up countless possibilities for the Steelers’ offense.
With Harrison Jr. in the fold, the Steelers could finally establish a true number-one receiving option who can consistently win one-on-one matchups and stretch the field. Pickett would be able to rely on Harrison Jr. as a safety blanket in key situations, whether it’s on third downs or in the red zone. Additionally, Harrison Jr.’s deep speed would allow the Steelers to take advantage of Pickett’s strong arm and stretch the defense, opening up space for other weapons like Johnson and Pickens.
Harrison Jr.’s fit within the Steelers’ offense also makes sense given their commitment to running the ball. As defenses focus on stopping the run, Harrison Jr.’s ability to get open quickly and make plays downfield would keep them on their toes, forcing defenders to respect both the run and the pass.
Moreover, Harrison Jr. would also add a level of flexibility to the Steelers’ offense. His ability to play both inside and outside allows offensive coordinator Matt Canada to move him around the formation and create mismatches against opposing defenses. Whether it’s as an outside threat stretching the field or as a slot receiver working underneath, Harrison Jr. provides the Steelers with a versatile option that would make their offense more unpredictable and difficult to defend.
The Steelers’ Path to Landing Harrison Jr.
While the Pittsburgh Steelers have needs on both sides of the ball, their primary focus heading into the 2025 NFL Draft should be to continue building around Kenny Pickett and improving the offense. The Steelers will likely be in the mid-to-late first round of the draft, which could place them in range to land Harrison Jr. if they are lucky enough to have him fall to them.
As of now, many mock drafts project that Harrison Jr. could go as early as the top five, with teams like the Chicago Bears, Arizona Cardinals, or even the Detroit Lions potentially looking to add a star receiver. However, if the Steelers are able to move up a few spots or if Harrison Jr. somehow slides down the board, they would be wise to pounce on the opportunity to secure this elite talent.
While there are many factors at play – including the performance of other teams and the needs of various franchises – the Steelers should have a strong case for landing Harrison Jr. with their selection. His potential to elevate the Steelers’ offense and be a franchise-altering player would make him an excellent addition to the team.