2022 WR Room

[FaCe-LeE-uS]

Diontae Johnson... X-Receiver

• DJ acquitted himself nicely last season after a very rough 2020 campaign. Yea his drops came back to bite him in the end, but I can forgive him and so should everyone else. He's a top 10 WR in this league without question. His route-running is ridiculous & his ability to separate is what sets him apart. He has earned a new payday, but I understand the hesitancy to shovel out the money he's likely wanting. WR contracts have ballooned and he may very well be looking for $18-20m per year. That's hard to digest, but if he proves himself like he did in '21 then he's easily worth it. I fear that DJ sees the writing on the wall though. He unfollowed all the Steelers social media accounts. He's clearly upset.

Chase Claypool... Z-Receiver (Big Y)

• After a promising rookie campaign we saw Claypool underachieve last season. He has flashed a lot of potential, but has largely disappointed. He can highpoint the ball pretty well, but he's charmin soft... flopping around like the Lebron James of the NFL. Need to see a big leap this year. I think we're all fairly pessimistic about his outlook though. He just doesn't have that alpha mentality.

George Pickens... X/Y/Z

• Questionable character, but his talent is undeniable & has everything you look for in an alpha WR. Wins consistently in short & intermediate window, regardless of route. Where he fits into the equation as a rookie is worrisome at the moment. If he can keep himself out of trouble then his talent will be very difficult to keep off the field. My biggest concern with him is that I fear the Steelers won't know how to deploy him & will hinder him as a result. It is still unknown about why the team's WR philosophies changed 3-4 years ago. I've been cryin about it for years, but for a refresher: the WRs are no longer position-versatile & rather XYZ dependent. Remember when J-Wash wasn't getting snaps last year in wake of injuries? Hilliard responded to those questions saying he wasn't practicing at the position where injuries occurred. Remember when AB, Marty B, & Juju were NOT role-dependent? Ike Hilliard, the former WR coach, may have played a part. Enter new WR coach Frisman Jackson, who coached at Carolina the past couple seasons. Hopefully that changes things, but it should still be a worry. Canada admitted to wanting to use Claypool as a big-Y more, meaning Pickens could see plenty of action outside.
• Side note... Pickens makes the DJ contract situation easier, but I think he's a better long-term solution than Claypool. Claypool looks very disposable right now.

Calvin Austin III... Y-Receiver

• Call me crazy, but I have a sneaking suspicion that CA3 will have a bigger impact as a rookie than Pickens. Pickens has better long-term value if he can stay out of trouble, but CA3 has an easier path to starting in the slot. His burst & lateral quickness will make him a very attractive target in Canada's system. Also, if they didn't do enough to fix the OL then that 5-10yd window gets all the more important, which is where CA3 excels. Not to mention if Trubisky starts... Underneath routes will become the go-to norm.

Miles Boykin... Depth

• I think he's a direct replacement to J-Wash. Faster & bigger bodied version of him. I really liked him in the 2019 draft, and think he was drafted to the wrong team. There's hope for him yet, but he's not seen as a separater so it's doubtful that he's going to challenge anyone for a starting role. Hoping he'll provide some stability to the WR room that has seen its fair share of injuries recently.

Gunner Olszewski... Return specialist

• Feels like a waste of capital now that they drafted CA3. He doesn't make an impact as a receiver, and looks to purely be a specialist. Not sure how you could justify eating up a spot on the final 53 when you have CA3 as a very capable returner.

Anthony Miller... Wild Card

• I would love to see him get a better shot at a meaningful role in this offense, but the arrival of CA3 makes that even more difficult. He could carve out a role in wake of injuries, but right now it's hard to imagine he lands anywhere but the PS.

Cody White, Rico Bussey, Steven Sims... Camp Bodies

• White & Bussey had some decent moments last preseason. IIRC Bussey went down to injury & had to be hung up on IR.

 

[FaCe-LeE-uS]

It's easy to fall in love with the talent here... But I'd temper expectations. We don't know who will be QB, and we don't know what to expect from Matt Canada. Things could get messy in a hurry lol.

That said... Let's go crazy

 

[thedddd]

I hate to get over hyped over a player but all the tape on Pickens shows an amazing WR. I want him to turn out to be very good.


On the comment above:
Side note... Pickens makes the DJ contract situation easier, but I think he's a better long-term solution than Claypool. Claypool looks very disposable right now.
Honestly that is how I take the Pickens pick. Not to replace DJ but to replace Chase at some point.

Austin, as a rookie, is light years ahead of what Ray-Ray was in that role. A legit receiver who can run routes, catch the ball and not get overpowered. Like you, I see him having the most immediate impact.

It should be an amazing WR core if the top 3 can keep their sh*t together.

 

[FaCe-LeE-uS]

I hate to get over hyped over a player but all the tape on Pickens shows an amazing WR. I want him to turn out to be very good.


On the comment above:
Side note... Pickens makes the DJ contract situation easier, but I think he's a better long-term solution than Claypool. Claypool looks very disposable right now.
Honestly that is how I take the Pickens pick. Not to replace DJ but to replace Chase at some point.

Austin, as a rookie, is light years ahead of what Ray-Ray was in that role. A legit receiver who can run routes, catch the ball and not get overpowered. Like you, I see him having the most immediate impact.

It should be an amazing WR core if the top 3 can keep their sh*t together.

Pickens... A lot to love about him. If it hadn't been for injury, he was a top 3 WR in the draft regardless of character concerns. Fortunately for the Steelers, he fell. I love the alpha attitude but he obviously needs to channel it the right way. Hopefully the Steelers brand will set in early. But they may be making their bed with another AB situation down the road lol.

DJ... I know everyone will dismiss it if he departs next year & the vast majority won't want to pay him, but I think DJ needs to be kept. Pickens will need some years of work to get to DJ's level in terms of polished skills.

CA3... lol, your overpowered comment brought back some frightening memories of watching Ray-Ray blocking at the LOS. Putting Ray-Ray in a heavy set should have been a fireable offense to Matt Canada. CA3 doesn't look like a pushover, but he's pretty damn small lol. I do have a fear that we'll miss the capable blocker in the slot that Juju was.

 

[TheBurgh88]

I like both receivers drafted and the depth is much improved. I would not pay DJ that much. Let him walk. Smart teams don't invest that much into WR. He is good but not a true #1 IMHO.

 

[Superbelt]

I am super high on Austin.

This smurf has some hops.

2024 NFL Combine Results - NFL.com

www.nfl.com

He was 3rd at the combine overall (for WR) for vertical and for 40-yard dash. 2nd in Broad jump. 1st in 3 cone and 20yard shuttle.

That Combine performance only bolsters his electric game tape and the props he's getting from people like Sauce.

I think this guy could be special.

 

[FaCe-LeE-uS]

I am super high on Austin.

This smurf has some hops.

2024 NFL Combine Results - NFL.com

www.nfl.com

He was 3rd at the combine overall (for WR) for vertical and for 40-yard dash. 2nd in Broad jump. 1st in 3 cone and 20yard shuttle.

That Combine performance only bolsters his electric game tape and the props he's getting from people like Sauce.

I think this guy could be special.

Just for comparison...

TYREEK HILL
Height: 5ft 6in
Weight: 185

40yd Dash: 4.29s
20yd Shuttle: 4.06s
3 cone: 6.53s
Vertical Leap: 40.5in
Broad Jump: 129in

CALVIN AUSTIN
Height: 5ft 9in
Weight: 173

40yd Dash: 4.32s
20yd Shuttle: 4.07s
3 cone: 6.65s
Vertical Leap: 39in
Broad Jump: 135in

 

[Bridgeburner]

Diontae Johnson - I don't know what to think with this guy. Don't like his average but is that a product of that offense? Hands got better but still aren't great. Also don't love paying WR's QB money. Especially when they act like teenage girls and pout on social media. Would REALLY HURT to lose him though.

Chase Claypool - I think Chase is a punk. I hope he proves me wrong but I just don't like his future with us. JuJu ruined him and I think Pickens is his replacement. Cold as fuck the Steelers had Chase announce the selection of his own replacement hahaha.

George Pickens - I think the Steelers want a DJ/Pickens top two. Love his alpha play. Very high on this kid.

Calvin Austin III - Love the pick... if we use him right. Will we?

Miles Boykin - Was a big fan when he came out. He'll get to catch passes from an NFL caliber quarterback for the first time in his career.

 

[FaCe-LeE-uS]

Worth the watch: WATCH: Pickens 1-on-1

Definitely changes my perspective on him... He's much more humble than I expected.

@3min mark... Interesting that he says he practiced most & feels comfortable in the slot... But willing to play anywhere

 

[Superbelt]

Worth the watch: WATCH: Pickens 1-on-1

Definitely changes my perspective on him... He's much more humble than I expected.

@3min mark... Interesting that he says he practiced most & feels comfortable in the slot... But willing to play anywhere

He's wearing the Balaclava in that interview too.

It's real weird, but he's owning it.

 

[Janus]

If one thing is a constant in the NFL, the Steelers know how to get really good WR's and expand their talents ( enough to have the rest of the league littered with castaways from them ). We all must realize one thing though, Ben was the reason or a very big part at making these guys attractive,
Maybe some of these newbies wouldn't fit into the Ben relationship and maybe they will excel in a new QB team, the opposite can be said with the vets,
Regardless, the Steelers have always had a good luxury in finding that talent. It may take a season or even 2 to develop that relationship and we're assuming the QB position doesn't become controversial.
I'll trust the brain trust here. I like Austin and if that means a vet goes, bye Chase. I had enough with his theatrics, The negative outweighed any positive and that's not talent it's personality

 

[FaCe-LeE-uS]

He's wearing the Balaclava in that interview too.

It's real weird, but he's owning it.

lmao... I figured that mask had a name but had no idea. I keep seein it referenced as the "youngboy" mask (rap artist)

You watch... It will become a fan thing before long. Steelers Balaclava merch comin in hot

 

[Superbelt]

lmao... I figured that mask had a name but had no idea. I keep seein it referenced as the "youngboy" mask (rap artist)

You watch... It will become a fan thing before long. Steelers Balaclava merch comin in hot

It's the new JuJu's Bike.
But more merchandisable.

Gonna be lots of gimps in the stands at Heinz Field this season.

 

[FaCe-LeE-uS]

It's the new JuJu's Bike.
But more merchandisable.

Gonna be lots of gimps in the stands at Heinz Field this season.

Looks like they are already 2 steps ahead

Men's Pittsburgh Steelers New Era Black NFL Sideline Official Balaclava

www.nflshop.com

 

[Superbelt]

Looks like they are already 2 steps ahead

Men's Pittsburgh Steelers New Era Black NFL Sideline Official Balaclava

www.nflshop.com

Nah, it's gotta be salt-n-pepper gray.

 

[SteelersPride]

do we have much cap left? lets go get jarvis landry.

 

[Bridgeburner]

My man has to make Hines Ward proud.

 

[Southieinnc]

Diontae Johnson... X-Receiver

• DJ acquitted himself nicely last season after a very rough 2020 campaign. Yea his drops came back to bite him in the end, but I can forgive him and so should everyone else. He's a top 10 WR in this league without question. His route-running is ridiculous & his ability to separate is what sets him apart. He has earned a new payday, but I understand the hesitancy to shovel out the money he's likely wanting. WR contracts have ballooned and he may very well be looking for $18-20m per year. That's hard to digest, but if he proves himself like he did in '21 then he's easily worth it. I fear that DJ sees the writing on the wall though. He unfollowed all the Steelers social media accounts. He's clearly upset.

Chase Claypool... Z-Receiver (Big Y)

• After a promising rookie campaign we saw Claypool underachieve last season. He has flashed a lot of potential, but has largely disappointed. He can highpoint the ball pretty well, but he's charmin soft... flopping around like the Lebron James of the NFL. Need to see a big leap this year. I think we're all fairly pessimistic about his outlook though. He just doesn't have that alpha mentality.

George Pickens... X/Y/Z

• Questionable character, but his talent is undeniable & has everything you look for in an alpha WR. Wins consistently in short & intermediate window, regardless of route. Where he fits into the equation as a rookie is worrisome at the moment. If he can keep himself out of trouble then his talent will be very difficult to keep off the field. My biggest concern with him is that I fear the Steelers won't know how to deploy him & will hinder him as a result. It is still unknown about why the team's WR philosophies changed 3-4 years ago. I've been cryin about it for years, but for a refresher: the WRs are no longer position-versatile & rather XYZ dependent. Remember when J-Wash wasn't getting snaps last year in wake of injuries? Hilliard responded to those questions saying he wasn't practicing at the position where injuries occurred. Remember when AB, Marty B, & Juju were NOT role-dependent? Ike Hilliard, the former WR coach, may have played a part. Enter new WR coach Frisman Jackson, who coached at Carolina the past couple seasons. Hopefully that changes things, but it should still be a worry. Canada admitted to wanting to use Claypool as a big-Y more, meaning Pickens could see plenty of action outside.
• Side note... Pickens makes the DJ contract situation easier, but I think he's a better long-term solution than Claypool. Claypool looks very disposable right now.

Calvin Austin III... Y-Receiver

• Call me crazy, but I have a sneaking suspicion that CA3 will have a bigger impact as a rookie than Pickens. Pickens has better long-term value if he can stay out of trouble, but CA3 has an easier path to starting in the slot. His burst & lateral quickness will make him a very attractive target in Canada's system. Also, if they didn't do enough to fix the OL then that 5-10yd window gets all the more important, which is where CA3 excels. Not to mention if Trubisky starts... Underneath routes will become the go-to norm.

Miles Boykin... Depth

• I think he's a direct replacement to J-Wash. Faster & bigger bodied version of him. I really liked him in the 2019 draft, and think he was drafted to the wrong team. There's hope for him yet, but he's not seen as a separater so it's doubtful that he's going to challenge anyone for a starting role. Hoping he'll provide some stability to the WR room that has seen its fair share of injuries recently.

Gunner Olszewski... Return specialist

• Feels like a waste of capital now that they drafted CA3. He doesn't make an impact as a receiver, and looks to purely be a specialist. Not sure how you could justify eating up a spot on the final 53 when you have CA3 as a very capable returner.

Anthony Miller... Wild Card

• I would love to see him get a better shot at a meaningful role in this offense, but the arrival of CA3 makes that even more difficult. He could carve out a role in wake of injuries, but right now it's hard to imagine he lands anywhere but the PS.

Cody White, Rico Bussey, Steven Sims... Camp Bodies

• White & Bussey had some decent moments last preseason. IIRC Bussey went down to injury & had to be hung up on IR.

Gunner is a good team player and proven on ST's.
He was odd man out at NE but respected nonetheless.
He needed a new scheme. Patriots were so dependent on WR's making a big splash that he never really fit.
Could end up being your best WR-3

 

[FaCe-LeE-uS]

do we have much cap left? lets go get jarvis landry.

I would love this... But they are actually over the cap now... +$4m or somethin like that. They need to restructure someone.

I would much rather have paid Jarvis Landry over Chuks Okorafor & then drafted an OT.

 

[FaCe-LeE-uS]

Gunner is a good team player and proven on ST's.
He was odd man out at NE but respected nonetheless.
He needed a new scheme. Patriots were so dependent on WR's making a big splash that he never really fit.
Could end up being your best WR-3

Steelers typically keep 6... DJ, Claypool, Pickens, CA3, Boykin, and... Gunner vs Miller.

If that's the case then I think Gunner needs to prove himself as a capable receiver over the likes of Miller. Like I said, CA3 is a proven return specialist. They aren't going to keep 2 guys on the roster like that.