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2024 NFL draft: 4 receiver prospects for the Steelers to replace Allen Robinson

The next salary-cap cut for the Pittsburgh Steelers needs to be veteran wide receiver Allen Robinson. Cutting Robinson saves the Steelers $10 million against the cap. Robinson didn’t pan out but even after he’s gone the Steelers will need to find a new slot receiver because Calvin Austin III isn’t developing as quickly as we hoped.

Pittsburgh has done well finding receivers in the middle or late round of the NFL draft and here are four guys to consider in 2024.

Ainias Smith - Texas A&M

Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports
Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports

Ainias Smith is a do-it-all player who can play wide receiver, running back and as a returner. He’s got elite quickness and change of direction and has a knack for big plays.

Malik Washington - Virginia

Nov 18, 2023; Charlottesville, Virginia, USA; Virginia Cavaliers wide receiver Malik Washington (4) runs with the ball en rout to a touchdown as Duke Blue Devils safety Jaylen Stinson (2) chases during the first quarter at Scott Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 18, 2023; Charlottesville, Virginia, USA; Virginia Cavaliers wide receiver Malik Washington (4) runs with the ball en rout to a touchdown as Duke Blue Devils safety Jaylen Stinson (2) chases during the first quarter at Scott Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

No receiver had a better week at the Senior Bowl than Malik Washington. He’s a natural fit in the slot and would be a great fit in the new Steelers offense.

Javon Baker - UCF

UCF’s wide receiver Javon Baker (1) runs for a touchdown against Texas Tech in a Big 12 football game, Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023, at Jones AT&T Stadium.
UCF’s wide receiver Javon Baker (1) runs for a touchdown against Texas Tech in a Big 12 football game, Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023, at Jones AT&T Stadium.

Javon Baker isn’t a traditional slot receiver but he’s a tough run blocker and works hard on contested catches.

Bub Means - Pitt

Nov 11, 2023; New York, New York, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers wide receiver Bub Means (0) runs with the ball against the Syracuse Orange during the first half at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Schneidler-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 11, 2023; New York, New York, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers wide receiver Bub Means (0) runs with the ball against the Syracuse Orange during the first half at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Schneidler-USA TODAY Sports

Bub Means is a local star and converted defensive back who has grown into one of the most freakish athletes in the NFL draft.

Story originally appeared on Steelers Wire