Who will be first offensive player drafted by Steelers?

The Steelers are expected to concentrate heavily on defense in the NFL draft, particularly in the early rounds. And most of the attention will center on two positions – cornerback and outside linebacker.

So who will be the first offensive player they draft? And when?

It is possible they will not draft an offensive player until the fourth round, and, if they do, that will likely be a wide receiver who can play in the slot. Remember, the two players who manned that position last season – Lance Moore and Justin Brown – are no longer with the team.

Markus Wheaton will line in the slot when the Steelers use three wide receivers this season, but they will try to add another receiver who can play there to keep Wheaton from getting beat up inside.

So, here are three receivers who could wind up with the Steelers and be the first offensive player they select in the draft:

 Tyler Lockett, Kansas State. Lockett is more of an Antonio Brown-type player (5-10, 182) because he is quick and shifty, but he has played in the slot. However, he could go as high as the third round, possibly even the second if there is a run on receivers. And that would mean he is not available by the time the Steelers get around to taking an offensive player. But if he is…..

 Antwan Goodley, Baylor. At 5-foot-10, 209 pounds, he has more of the body type built for inside traffic, even after shedding 16 pounds. But Goodley is also fast – he was timed at 4.46 at the combine – and is very good at running after the catch. Scouts question his hands, but the Steelers always think they can work to correct that deficiency in a receiver.

 Tony Lippett, Michigan State. Lippett (6-2, 192) is not the fastest receiver around, but he is a good athlete who started at wide receiver and cornerback for the Spartans last season. On defense, he played opposite Trae Wayans, who is expected to be the first cornerback drafted. Lippett ran a 4.61 and did just 10 reps on the 225-pound bench at the combine, but his ability to play on both offense and defense points up his competitive fire and desire.