With training camp beginning on Thursday, we will get to see the return of Pittsburgh Steelers' wideout, Calvin Austin III. The 2022 fourth-rounder was quite impressive in training camp last year, but we were never able to see him in an actual game setting. He had to miss his whole rookie campaign due to a foot injury. Now, the University of Memphis product seems to be healthy.
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WR Calvin Austin III makes an impressive catch during the Steelers OTA's in 2022.
The playmaker impressed once again in Organized Team Activities (OTAs) and minicamp, as his electric speed is perfect for those kind of practice scenarios. The acquisition of Allen Robinson helps Austin in the fact that he won't have as much pressure placed on him to perform right away. Robinson can be the slot guy and third wide receiver on the depth chart while Austin adjusts to the speed of the NFL.
Regardless, Austin will bring a dynamic to the offense that they have sorely missed in recent memory. Memphis Head Coach, Ryan Silverfield has high praise for his former wide receiver. Silverfield recently told Pro Football Network that Austin offers similar traits to former NFL playmaker, Percy Harvin.
"I can see some Percy Harvin in him. I know Matt Canada's offense, and he will probably move him around. Austin is smaller physically than Harvin, but he can do similar things."
As Adam Caplan of PFN pointed out, Silverfield was an assistant with the Vikings during Harvin's tenure. The praise for Austin goes on. Quarterback, Kenny Pickett, has been nothing but complimentary of his wide receiver and he expects the speedster to have a breakthrough campaign. In the early portions of 2023 summer sessions, Austin toasted a newly-signed Patrick Peterson.
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Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett is a big reason as to why people have high expectations on the team, as he enters his second NFL season.
Matt Canada has faced heavy criticism for his first two years in Pittsburgh, and rightfully so. The offense has been incompetent far too often, but he will have the most talent he's had while with the Steelers. Canada has always liked to deploy a lot of movement to his offenses, while using those gadget-esque players. That makes Austin an intriguing piece in this offense, as he fits what Canada wants.
How will Steelers OC Use Austin?
Harvin is most known for his time with the Minnesota Vikings, where he spent the first four years of his NFL career. Those would end up being his best years too, as injuries eventually caught up to him. Harvin sustained multiple devastating concussions, which limited the length of his career. He was a bit ahead of his time, as speed and versatility weren't as prevalent during his era.
The University of Florida product helped revolutionize the offensive side of the ball in a way, as teams started using players as gadgets. In 2009 with the Vikings, Harvin won AP Offensive Rookie of the Year. He racked up 790 receiving yards and six touchdowns in 15 games, in addition to 135 rushing yards and two kickoff returns for touchdown. Those impressive numbers helped him to a Pro Bowl in his first season, which would end up being his only career appearance.
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Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III could make an impact in the return game as well, something Percy Harvin did for years.
You get the gist, Harvin was a stud and was way ahead of his time. It's nothing but a compliment to compare Austin to a guy like Harvin. Time will tell if he can become that kind of a weapon. The last time the Steelers tried developing a gadget player, it was Dri Archer. That's a name that leaves a sour taste in the mouths of fans in Pittsburgh.
Do you think Austin will end up being a playmaker for Pittsburgh? What are your expectations for him in his first full NFL season? What were your memories of Harvin? Share your thoughts in the comment section below, as well as on our social media sites, yinz!
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