The Pittsburgh Steelers are making their moves ahead of the draft, and it's an exciting time for fans and analysts alike. Today, we delve into the pre-draft visits hosted by the Steelers, focusing on three key prospects: Denzel Boston, Darrell Jackson Jr., and Jaden Dugger. These visits offer a glimpse into the team's strategy and potential future roster additions.
Prospects on the Radar
Denzel Boston, a wide receiver from Washington, has been on the Steelers' radar for a while now. His visit was initially reported in March, and he brings an intriguing skill set to the table. With his fluid athleticism and ability to make contested catches, Boston has drawn comparisons to Kenny Golladay. The 6'3", 212-pound receiver opted out of the 40-yard dash, but his performance on the field speaks for itself. He hauled in an impressive 62 receptions for 881 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2025, solidifying his first-round buzz.
Darrell Jackson Jr., a defensive lineman from Florida State, is an intriguing prospect with a unique build. Standing at 6'5", 315 pounds with 34-inch arms, Jackson fits the mold of what the Steelers typically look for in this position. His performance at both the Shrine Bowl and Senior Bowl in January caught the eye of many, and our scouting report suggests he could have an immediate impact in the run game. With upside as a pass rusher yet to be fully realized, Jackson is graded as a mid-Day 2 prospect.
Jaden Dugger, a local prospect from Louisiana-Lafayette, is an inside linebacker with an impressive resume. He attended Penn Hills for high school, which means he doesn't count against the Steelers' 30-visit limit. Dugger's size and speed are notable, measuring in at 6'4", 242 pounds with a 4.61-second 40-yard dash. In 2025, he recorded an impressive 125 total tackles, 13 TFLs, and four sacks. His game is modeled after Steelers ILB Payton Wilson, and it seems the team is considering adding him to their linebacker room. Dugger is currently projected as an undrafted free agent, but he could surprise many and find himself as a Day 3 pick.
Deeper Analysis
These pre-draft visits offer a fascinating insight into the Steelers' draft strategy. The team seems to be focusing on key positions, such as wide receiver and defensive line, to bolster their roster. Boston's visit, in particular, suggests a potential need for a deep threat receiver, especially with his contested catch ability. Jackson's visit indicates a desire to strengthen the defensive line, an area where the Steelers have traditionally excelled. Dugger's local connection and admiration for Payton Wilson add an interesting dynamic to the linebacker room.
What makes these visits particularly intriguing is the potential for unexpected twists. While Boston and Jackson are considered potential first-round picks, Dugger's undrafted status could be a strategic move by the Steelers. They may be aiming to uncover hidden gems and develop them within their system. It's a strategy that has worked for the team in the past, and it will be fascinating to see if Dugger can follow in the footsteps of other successful undrafted players.
Conclusion
As the Steelers continue their pre-draft preparations, these visits offer a glimpse into their future plans. The team's focus on key positions and local talent showcases a well-thought-out strategy. While the draft is still a few weeks away, these prospects have certainly caught the attention of the Steelers' front office. It will be exciting to see how these visits translate into draft picks and how these players impact the team's future success. Personally, I can't wait to see how this story unfolds and which players ultimately find their way onto the Steelers' roster.
