Behind the Steel Curtain
The Pittsburgh wide receiver room is currently D.K. Metcalf and a bunch of question marks.
Following the George Pickens trade, the Steelers have a wide receiver problem for the second straight year.
Newly-acquired star D.K. Metcalf is, of course, the team’s WR1, but after that the depth chart is wide open. It’s not a big-name group outside of the former Seahawk.
For reference: here’s every receiver on the Steelers’ roster at the moment:
There are a number of interesting names on the depth chart after Metcalf even if the wide receiver room is low on star power — but it’s likely a three-man race for WR2: Austin, Wilson, and Woods.
With Metcalf operating as the X receiver, I’ll take the easy answer and predict the Steelers rotate a lot of names at Z; both Austin and Wilson are candidates to see a good number of snaps there.
However, Austin was at his best from the slot last season, and Wilson, who has yet to catch his first NFL pass, is also expected to play heavily on the inside to start his NFL career. And neither are big receivers, making them less than ideal fits for an Arthur Smith offense that expects some blocking ability from the Z.
Who does fit that role? Veteran free agent addition Robert Woods. He isn’t much bigger than Wilson, but has built a long career off being a reliable possession receiver and a high-effort blocker.
Beyond that, the Steelers seem to have a type when it comes to WR2s, with veteran former Rams Allen Robinson II and Van Jefferson filling the role in recent years.
The 33-year-old Woods might not even have his 4.51 college speed anymore, but he’s a confident choice for who will be playing the lion’s share of WR2 snaps to start the season. His experience will be a valuable asset early on.
But if Roman Wilson looks like the player the Steelers drafted him to be, he has a realistic shot at a big role in the Pittsburgh offense following his injury-stricken rookie season. Barring another roster move, the Steelers need someone to step up opposite Metcalf.
Who do you think is the Steelers WR2 to start the season? Join the Behind the Steel Curtain community and let us know in the comments!
