As the 2026 NFL Draft nears, Steelers Nation is understandably eager for reinforcements at wide receiver. With questions about the group's depth and the need for reliable targets, the temptation is strong to push for an early-round pick at the position. But before frustration sets in if the Black and Gold don't select a wideout in Round 1—or even Round 2—remember this: the 2026 wide receiver class is exceptionally deep, offering quality talent well into the later rounds. Under new head coach Mike McCarthy, the Steelers can be strategic and patient, potentially landing a high-upside player who fits the scheme without spending premium draft capital. One such prospect is Georgia State standout Ted Hurst, whose size, athleticism, and production profile make him a compelling mid-round option.

McCarthy's track record shows a clear preference for physical, versatile receivers who can win contested catches and contribute at multiple levels, and Hurst aligns well with that vision. Let's examine why he could thrive in Pittsburgh, how his measurables compare to McCarthy's past picks, his key strengths in the system, a pro comparison, and parallels to former Steelers WR George Pickens in playing style.

Why Hurst Fits Mike McCarthy's Vision

Mike McCarthy has long favored receivers with size and physicality who can operate effectively on the boundary while offering some flexibility. Over his coaching tenure, his drafted wideouts have trended toward taller, sturdy builds capable of winning in contested situations and stretching the field—traits that suit a balanced, play-action-oriented offense. Hurst embodies this archetype: a tall, explosive outside threat who excels at high-pointing the ball and creating separation with his stride and speed. In McCarthy's scheme, which emphasizes precise route-running, red-zone efficiency, and vertical shots, Hurst's ability to attack deep and win at the catch point would provide a dependable option for Aaron Rodgers, giving the veteran QB a big-bodied target to exploit mismatches.

Size and Athletic Profile: A Match for McCarthy's Prototypes

McCarthy's history reveals a preference for receivers around 6-1 to 6-3 with solid builds, good length, and enough athleticism to separate—avoiding extremes of very short or overly lanky jump-ball specialists. Many of his picks (especially post-2015) emphasize height over 6-0, long arms, and functional speed for perimeter play.

Hurst measures 6-4 and 206 pounds, with 32 5/8-inch arms, putting him on the taller end but still in the athletic sweet spot. His estimated 4.42-second 40-yard dash highlights elite burst and long speed for his frame, complemented by strong testing in vertical and broad jumps. This profile echoes McCarthy favorites like bigger-bodied outside threats who combine length with fluidity, allowing them to win releases against press coverage and dominate downfield—much like the physical prototypes McCarthy has targeted for boundary roles.

Strengths in the Steelers' System

Hurst's skill set translates seamlessly to McCarthy's pro-style attack: Deep-Field Threat: He consistently grades highly on targets 20+ yards downfield, using his speed and catch radius to stretch defenses. This fits perfectly with play-action boots and shots off motion, opening underneath options for tight ends and slots.

Contested-Catch Ability: His length and timing at the high point make him a red-zone nightmare, winning fades, back-shoulder throws, and 50/50 balls—addressing a key area where the Steelers could use more reliability.

YAC and Versatility: Averaging strong yards per catch, Hurst shows vision and stride to turn short completions into chunk gains. While primarily an outside "X" or "Z" receiver, he can motion for mismatches, adding wrinkles to McCarthy's alignments.

Refinements needed—like polishing his route tree and minimizing occasional drops—are coachable, especially in a system that has elevated similar raw talents into consistent producers.

Pro Comparison: A Modern Twist on a Familiar Type

Hurst draws comps to a young Courtland Sutton: tall, rangy, and explosive vertically, with the tools to develop into a reliable WR2 who commands attention from defenses. Like Sutton, he blends size with enough fluidity to win beyond just jump balls, potentially growing into a polished boundary starter.

How He Compares to Ex-Steelers WR George Pickens (Playing Style)

For Steelers fans missing the big-play element George Pickens brought during his time in Pittsburgh, Hurst offers intriguing stylistic parallels as an outside vertical threat. Both are lengthy boundary receivers with elite contested-catch skills, deep speed (Pickens around 4.47, Hurst in the low-4.4s), and the ability to high-point throws against smaller corners. Hurst's explosive testing (including superior broad jump metrics) suggests comparable or even enhanced burst off the line.

The key difference: While Pickens entered the league as a more polished route-runner, Hurst's college production (over 1,900 yards and 15 TDs in his final two seasons at Georgia State) shows strong consistency against coverage, often outpacing expectations for his level of competition. He could help replicate that downfield dynamism Pickens provided—commanding safeties deep and winning in jump-ball situations—while potentially offering a cleaner off-field profile and solid YAC upside.

Draft Projection: A Day 2 or 3 Steal?

Hurst projects as a Day 2 or early Day 3 pick in most mocks, often in the third-to-fifth round range (roughly picks 70-150 overall). His Group of Five background and the deep class could allow him to slide, but rising buzz from the Senior Bowl and combine has some scouts viewing him as a top-100 talent with starter upside as a "Z" or "X" receiver. For the Steelers, landing him in the mid-rounds would represent excellent value—a high-ceiling addition ready to contribute without forcing an early reach.

Steelers fans, this draft rewards smart, scheme-aligned selections over panic picks. If McCarthy zeros in on a player like Hurst, it could quietly fortify the offense for years to come. In a class this loaded, patience might deliver the next big-play weapon to wave the Terrible Towel for.