Combine buzz: Addison tells Steelers, 'Come get me'

INDIANAPOLIS -- The Steelers don't necessarily need a wide receiver this spring, whether it's through free agency or the draft. But, one of the top receivers in this year's draft class is more than open to returning to Pittsburgh.

Coming off a season playing at USC, Jordan Addison tugged at his connection to Pittsburgh during his Friday morning media availability at the NFL Combine, sending a clear message that he'd love to play with Kenny Pickett again.

"If we reunite, that'd be really cool," Addison said. "Come get me."

The group of Diontae Johnson, George Pickens, Calvin Austin III and Anthony Miller is a solid enough group for the Steelers' offense. Adding Addison to the mix in the first round would be nothing but a luxury selection. But, it could also make Pittsburgh's receiving corps potentially one of the most dangerous in the league.

The idea of the Steelers forming their own version of the Joe Burrow/Ja'Marr Chase connection in Cincinnati is tempting. While playing together at Pitt in 2021, Addison earned the Biletnikoff Award as the nation's top receiver and Pickett was named ACC Player of the Year, won the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award and was a finalist for the Heisman Trophy, finishing in third place.

Needless to say, they were one of the most dynamic duos in all of college football. 

Back in January, Pickett lobbied for a reunion with Addison while appearing on the Pat McAfee Show.

"I'm excited to see where he ends up," Pickett said. "Hopefully in the black and gold."

However, the first round of the draft would have to go about as badly as possible for Pittsburgh if the Steelers were to seriously entertain Addison at 17th overall. That most likely means all of the top tackles, cornerbacks and first-round defensive linemen would have to be off the board. Even then, there still probably would be a highly-graded prospect available at a true position of need in that scenario.

And, especially if Addison shows well during Saturday's drills at the Combine, there's essentially no chance he falls to the Steelers' 32nd overall pick. If the Steelers have a legitimate chance to draft Addison, it'll require their first-round pick or some sort of trade-down scenario to acquire more draft capital to compensate.

The Steelers sure do love receivers, and have had a lot of sustained success in the draft at the position. And, it's certainly intriguing that Addison and Pickett want to play together again. However, the Steelers have bigger fish to fry this offseason. Having three picks in the top 50 and and four picks in the top 80, Pittsburgh has a prime opportunity to add some meat to their roster at positions that need more attention than receiver. That's paramount.

MORE FROM THE COMBINE

• Pitt's Calijah Kancey followed through on his promise to turn heads with his 40-yard dash.

Kancey recorded an official time of 4.67, which is the fastest ever recorded by a defensive tackle since NFL Network started logging Combine measurements in 2003. The previous record was held by Pitt alum Aaron Donald.

Kancey's trajectory toward being a top-tier first-round pick is most definitely on the rise, and got plenty of buzz from those here in Indianapolis.

• Defensive backs are working out at Lucas Oil Stadium Friday afternoon, which should make the process of ranking this year's very deep cornerback class a little easier. As I wrote in Thursday's feature, Joey Porter Jr. is here to show off and prove his game speed.

• Saturday is the final day of player availability in Indianapolis as offensive linemen and running backs are slated to address the media. The Combine officially concludes Sunday with those two positions groups wrapping up the final day of drills.