Calvin Austin III was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers with the 138th pick of the 2022 NFL Draft. The speedy receiver immediately impressed at rookie mini camp and Organized Team Activities (OTAs), but his rookie season ended as soon as it started in Latrobe. The day before the first 2022 preseason game, Austin went down with an ankle injury. The injury was portrayed as mild until weeks of the regular season came and went and there was still no sign of the rookie making a return. Eventually, the truth was revealed after Austin was placed on injured reserve for the remainder of the season.
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Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III (#19) showcases his speed during 2022 training camp at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
On November 1st, Austin took to Instagram, revealing a successful surgery.
Nearly a year later, the young receiver is finally getting an opportunity to showcase his talent wearing black and gold. The media and fans alike are already intrigued after the 2022 Defensive Rookie of the Year, Ahmad "Sauce" Gardner, revealed that Austin was one of his most challenging college matchups.
Now, his talent has caught the eye of Steelers teammates as well. Fellow receiver, Miles Boykin had high-praises for the wideout.
"He’s got that speed, man,” Boykin said. "When a lot of guys come into the league they have speed but don’t know how to use it. You know, how to leverage it in routes and other small details. He knows how to use it. I mean, he’s been great."
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter JSKO_PHOTO)
Calvin Austin III makes an impressive catch during the Steelers OTA's in 2022.
Steelers' Austin Has A Chance To Make A Big Splash In A Young Offense
With the Steelers offense under major construction over the past few years, Austin has the perfect opportunity to come in and make a big impact. It wasn't until the end of the 2022 season when the offense started to gel in Steel City. After a shaky start, Kenny Pickett was able to bring what the Steelers desperately needed, especially after the bye week.
The Steelers went 7-2 down the stretch and gave themselves a real chance to make the playoffs. All eyes will be on the offense in 2023 with Pickett gaining momentum going into his second season, George Pickens coming off of a stellar rookie year, Diontae Johnson having something to prove, Najee Harris as versatile as ever, a rebuilt offensive line and a consistent tight end in Pat Freiermuth.
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If Austin keeps his composure under pressure, success will absolutely come his way in Pittsburgh. It is worth noting that with since Juju Smith-Schuster's departure, the Steelers haven't had a super consistent slot receiver. Though Austin's bread and butter is outside, he could have the chance to make an immediate impact on the field in the slot.
What is Austin's mentality on all of this? Despite everything, he doesn't feel like this will be his first true year in the league. Throughout his injury, he stayed heavily involved in the offense and present in the facilities. He's confident and comfortable going into year two. With an exciting year ahead of the Steelers, it'll be interesting to see how Austin fits in to the offense. Some might pre-order their #19 jerseys now. What are your hopes for Austin? Should he play in the slot or stick to what he knows best out wide? Sound off in the comments below.
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