Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin and General Manager Omar Khan identified adding a veteran receiver to the team as an early priority and decided to make a low-risk bet on Allen Robinson to satisfy that need. The former Jacksonville Jaguars second-round pick is a player Tomlin has kept his eyes on since he came out of Penn State and despite struggling in his one season with the Los Angeles Rams, is excited to get to work with an ascending quarterback in Kenny Pickett.
Gary A. Vasquez / USA TODAY Sports
Steelers' Allen Robinson is looking for more stability in Pittsburgh as he returns to play in the state where he starred in college.
The veteran who has topped 1,000 yards receiving three times in his career is somewhat of a football junkie and said he loves sitting down to watch games. In his film review of the Steelers signal-caller dating back to days at the University of Pittsburgh, Robinson sees a player ready to take the next step.
"I was able to watch Kenny in college in some of his big games," he said via Chris Adamski of TribLive. "When you have a guy that has a knack for winning or being the kind of player he has been, leading all the groups he's been a part of, I don't think that goes away once a guy comes to the NFL. It's one of those things that when you put guys around him and other things like that, you start to see them develop even more into a guy."
New Steelers WR Allen Robinson says he’s been admiring Kenny Pickett’s knack for winning since KP was in college pic.twitter.com/tEeSPO5knq
— Chris Adamski (@C_AdamskiTrib) May 25, 2023
Steelers' Robinson Part Of Group To Setup Pickett For Success In Year 2
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers quarterback, Kenny Pickett makes a throw on the run during 2022 training camp at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
Robinson didn't really have any say in the move to Pittsburgh, but is certainly excited to get to work building relationships with his new teammates. The acquisition of Robinson combined with all the moves to add to the offensive line shows that the team's priority on that side of the ball is to surround Pickett with the right pieces to succeed. Before the team traded to get the shifty receiver who tied for the league lead in 2015 in touchdown catches with 14, and had the longest reception, a 90-yarder from Blake Bortles against the New Orleans Saints, the receiver room looked a little bit bare. It also depended too much on a big year from redshirt rookie Calvin Austin III. With Robinson in the fold, Offensive Coordinator Matt Canada has a formidable group of weapons now to play around with and try to extend his stay in Pittsburgh.
Photo Credit: Jordan Schofield / Steeler Nation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers wide receivers Diontae Johnson and George Pickens will be tasked to produce as the big dogs in the offense next year.
The biggest key for the Steelers' receiving core to have success in 2023 will be opening up the field for the team's big duo of Diontae Johnson and George Pickens. Johnson has set some lofty personal goals for the 2023 season and after a promising rookie year, Pickens is a very trendy pick for a breakout in year 2. Having a player like Robinson to go with the other weapons including tight ends Pat Freiermuth, and rookie Darnell Washington should give the team's big two plenty of room to work.
What do you think about Robinson's comment about Pickett? What are you're expectations for the veteran? Comment below!
#SteelerNation
