To be real competitors, the Pittsburgh Steelers must continue to improve their wide receiver situation……….
PITTSBURGH– The Pittsburgh Steelers were successful throughout draft weekend. GM Omar Khan held firm in his picks and did not give up any assets to advance. Despite this, the Steelers were able to choose players predicted to go higher in the draft and fill gaps on their roster. They strengthened several critical positions, particularly the offensive line. The 2024 Steelers’ draft class was rightfully praised by analysts across the league for their success.
With their strong draft and offseason moves, the Steelers’ offence is set for a bounce season. Their quarterback room has been completely rebuilt, with Russell Wilson and Justin Fields taking over. Their running back tandem is the best in the league. Pat Freiermuth hopes to stay healthy and re-establish himself as a danger. Their offensive line is progressing from replacement level to full of potential. Everything on that side of the ball feels better.
And then there’s the wide receiver position. While the organisation provided a vote of confidence to the present roster members before to the draft, it is clear that this position will hold the offence behind. The current wide receiver room includes de facto number one George Pickens, unproven youngster Calvin Austin III, two depth veterans in Van Jefferson and Quez Watkins, and recently drafted Roman Wilson.
Perhaps this is overly critical, but nothing about that team will terrify opposition defences or defensive coordinators. Calvin Austin III has the potential to compel defences to respect him if he continues to improve, but he is not yet there. Similarly, Jefferson and Watkins have big play potential on occasion, but their consistency is insufficient to merit further consideration. Roman Wilson hasn’t caught a pass in the NFL. Put it all together, and Pittsburgh’s aerial offence only has one viable defence: Pickens.
The Steelers have made it obvious that they are dedicated to running the ball and protecting their quarterback. They will use a physical offensive line. Using their strong combo of rushing backs to set the tone and open up the passing game. Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith specialises at running dominant offences, as he did in Tennessee during his previous OC role, and Pittsburgh should do the same this season.
The only difficulty is that Russell Wilson or Justin Fields will need more targets than George Pickens, who is double-covered. If they want an offence that can affect the defence in a variety of ways, they’ll need another weapon on the outside to throw to. The Steelers may not say it publicly, but the wide receiver position is currently their most pressing need. With the number of veteran receivers linked to Pittsburgh during the draft process, it appears that the Steelers aren’t done adding to their roster. Whether through trade or signing a player once camp opens, the Steelers must solve their most pressing positional need before the season begins.
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