The Pittsburgh Steelers have had a plenty of good wide receivers come through their building since Mike Wallace left. But none of them had the top end speed that Wallace brought to the table. Antonio Brown was better than Wallace, but he couldn't take the top off of an opposing defense like Wallace.
Photo/Joe Sargent
As a rookie Wallace averaged 19.4 yards per reception and scored 6 touchdowns. In his second year he averaged 21 yards per reception, caught 60 passes for 1257 yards and 10 touchdowns. No one could cover him deep down the field. He was the toast of the town, and Ben Roethlisberger's favorite target. But he was often referred to as a one-trick pony by Mike Tomlin. That was because Tomlin wanted Wallace to get better at other routes besides deep ones. He eventually would, but not to the degree that would allow him to stay at the elite level once his speed fell off.
Now the Steelers selected Calvin Austin III in the fourth round of the draft this year, and he's only 5'8 but is blazing fast. He ran a 4.3 at the combine and has been compared to Tyree Hill.
Tomlin was asked today what he sees in Austin that others have passed on because of his height. Tomlins answer was simple.
"Speed"
He was then asked how the Steelers can get the most out of that speed.
You better be fast in this game and that's the reality of it. That's nothing new. It's not earth shattering or groundbreaking. That is his distinguishing trait and it has to show up in all aspects of his play.
He spoke to Justin Melo from NFL Draft Network recently and discussed his enjoyment for special teams.
When somebody says something about my size, I just tell them to turn the film on. I rather let my play do the talking. I think size is one of my advantages. I’m constantly learning how to use it to my advantage while improving my route-running ability. My size has never held me back from anything, and it certainly won’t now.
One thing that the Steelers did prior to selecting Austin, or receiver George Pickens who was selected in the second round was get to their Pro Days. This is something that Tomlin and Kevin Colbert have always tried to do during their time together. It's very rare that they select any player high in the draft that they haven't had a chance to meet with or put through workouts at Pro Days or the Combine themselves.
Particularly at the wide receiver position you glean a lot of that stuff on video. In some other positions it's more difficult. But at the wide receiver position you have a pretty good understanding, I think, of those type of capabilities. But make no mistake about it, laying a first hand eye on them in a venue like this confirms some of those things. But so does Pro Day travel and that's why getting out for Pro Days and seeing them in person and working at the University prior to the draft is an important component for us.
Whatever the Steelers have been able to pin point when it comes to wide receivers has mostly worked over the years. While they've missed on a lot of receivers they've also found a lot gems outside of the first round. Something that a lot of teams struggle with.
Memphis Tigers receiver Calvin Austin III celebrates his catch during their game against the SMU Mustangs at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium on Saturday Nov. 6, 2021.
OTHER STEELERS NEWS
Steelers Quarterback Kenny Pickett On Chance To Start “I Got No Shot If I Don’t Know What I’m Doing”
