Steelers' Dynamic Calvin Austin III Has "Solidified" His Spot As Pittsburgh's Number 4 Receiver

The Pittsburgh Steelers' top three on the depth chart at wide receiver was pretty much set the day the team went out and acquired veteran Allen Robinson from the Los Angeles Rams. The nine-year veteran player filled a need for General Manager Omar Khan and Head Coach Mike Tomlin to have some more experienced depth behind the top two guys, Diontae Johnson and George Pickens. Steelers insider for The Athletic, Mark Kaboly said that speedy second-year receiver Calvin Austin III has the upper hand in the competition for a spot behind them. 

Austin was a fourth-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, but had his training camp cut short and his season ended before it started with a brutal ankle injury that required surgery. Back healthy, Austin is ready to put opposing defensive backs in the dust as he unleashes his speed in his first real test in pro football. 

Kaboly joined The PM Team on 93.7 The Fan with Chris Mueller and Donny Football running the show. Joining live from the very tail end of training camp proceedings on Tuesday, Kaboly said he's a firm believer in Austin, despite him not having the best showing that day. 

"Austin is not only going to make the team, but he's also going to participate and make some plays during the season," he said. "I think he's solidified his spot at the number four." 

Kaboly said the physical practice on Tuesday with a heavy emphasis on goal line plays and the running game wasn't exactly a conducive practice environment for a 160-pound receiver who excels in the open field to succeed. He said he's seen Austin making 60 and 80-yard touchdown plays in camp, but Tuesday just wasn't that day.  

If the Steelers are serious about getting the ball deep down the field for some chunk plays, Austin could certainly play a vital role. He showed all the Steelers faithful during the annual Friday Night Lights practice his ability to get behind the defense and make a play on a long bomb from backup quarterback Mitch Trubisky. With his insane pace, catching him in stride on a slant could even have the ability to go for a decent gain. 

Austin will get his first shot at playing in an NFL environment on Friday night with the preseason opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. That should give a glimpse into what Offensive Coordinator Matt Canada has in store for the speedster. Everyone knows Canada loves his jet sweeps. Maybe Austin gets a shot to carry the football during the preseason too. 

Steelers Wide Receiver Depth Chart Beyond The Four Locks

The team released receiver Ja'Marcus Bradley to make room for safety Jalen Elliott. The depth chart now features 11 players listed at wide receiver and about half of them won't be around when the team plays the San Francisco 49ers in Week 1. Kaboly thinks that Miles Boykin, despite a very limited role on offense last season with only two catches, is likely a lock because Special Teams Coordinator Danny Smith loves his ability as a gunner. 

Former XFL pass catcher Hakeem Butler is still trying to make the team and his first real impression at the NFL level after some previous failed stints. He wasn't even mentioned in the segment by Kaboly as he thinks it's down to a competition between Gunner Olszewski and Cody White for the final receiver spot on the roster.  

He even mused that the team could decide to look elsewhere for a sixth receiver, or even decide to just keep five. The team kept seven on the roster to start 2022, but eventually traded Chase Claypool to the Chicago Bears. Maybe, the front office decides to keep that many again not wanting to see either White or Olszewski in an opposing uniform. Time will tell and the first preseason game should offer some insight into the pecking order at the position. 

Who would be your receivers on the roster if you were calling the shots? Do White and Olszewski still have a place on the team? Comment below!

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