Steelers Wide Receiver Calvin Austin III Has Stepped Up In Big Fashion

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been somewhat reliant on big plays in the passing game over the last two seasons. The offense's inability to march down the field consistently and put together good drives has created a need for shot plays. George Pickens has made quite a few big plays in his first two seasons with the team, but other than him, it's been pretty quiet. In 2022, the Steelers drafted Calvin Austin III out of Memphis in the fourth round in large part due to his blazing speed and big play ability. So far, we've seen flashes of that, but not what we expected.

After Austin III missed his entire rookie season, he came back in 2023 and put up 17 receptions for 180 yards and 2 total touchdowns. 72 of his 180 yards came on a touchdown pass against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 3. 72-yard touchdowns are what you want to see from a receiver that ran a 4.32 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, but Austin III was pretty quiet after that play. Austin III is heading into his second healthy season and with the departure of Diontae Johnson, it's time for him to make a big leap and become a more consistent contributor. He doesn't have to score a 72-yard touchdown every game, but his speed can be used in all sorts of ways to help move the chains and put points on the board.

In Brian Batko's Steelers Chat, a fan asked Batko if Austin III has looked better throughout offseason workouts. Batko's answer is exactly what Steelers fans need to hear:

"Yeah, I liked what I saw from Austin in OTAs and minicamp. Got open. Made plays. Took on some leadership as a 25-year-old third year guy in an otherwise new-look group. He's an easy player to root for and I'd say he's trending in the right direction for now."

Austin III getting open and making plays through offseason workouts is great, but him stepping up as a leader is even better. If Austin III can rub off on Roman Wilson and help him through his rookie growing pains, that could help the Steelers' receiving corps tremendously. Austin III has plenty of talent. When he puts it all together, this Steelers offense has the ability to light up some scoreboards and do some things we haven't seen in a while.

Steelers Wide Receiver Calvin Austin III Could Be The Team's Wide Receiver Two

One of the biggest questions of the Steelers' offseason has been who will be wide receiver two behind Pickens? Austin III, Van Jefferson, Scotty Miller and Wilson are all in the running, but Austin III has the biggest advantage. Austin III and Pickens are the only receivers that were on the roster last season. Wilson is going through rookie growing pains, Jefferson and Miller are veterans that have never proven to be wide receiver two material, so it could end up being Austin III if he keeps improving. Getting Austin III the ball five or six times a game would be really exciting. 

With an improved offensive line, Russell Wilson at quarterback, and the Najee Harris-Jaylen Warren running back duo. The Steelers are going to have plenty of ways to pick up first downs and score points. Austin III getting in the mix just makes it even better. If Arthur Smith can dial up some plays for Austin III to just get the ball in space and use his speed, the Steelers are going to be fun to watch.

Of course, it is easy to say that Austin III just looks good because it's just offseason workouts, but Batko didn't even mention Austin III's speed or hands. Austin III is getting open and that's a big deal. If Austin III continues on this trend through training camp, he could be in for a big season.

Do you think Calvin Austin III will break out in 2024? Let us know in the comments below!

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