The Pittsburgh Steelers lost JuJu Smith-Schuster and two other wide receivers in the off-season, but that didn't deter Pro Football Focus from ranking the receiving corps 8 spots higher than they did in 2021.
The Steelers lost Smith-Schuster, James Washington and Ray-Ray McCloud this off-season, but they gained Miles Boykin and rookies George Pickens and Calvin Austin III. And that was enough for Pro Football Focus to rank their receiving corps 11th, up from 19th ahead of 2021.
PPF has the Steelers ranked just outside the top 10, 3 spots behind the Buffalo Bills at 8 and ahead of both the Dallas Cowboys and Seattle Seahawks at 12 and 13 respectively.
The additions of George Pickens and Calvin Austin III in the 2022 NFL Draft to pair with those two [Diontae Johnson & Chase Claypool] and tight end Pat Freiermuth creates an intriguing young collection of talent for either Mitchell Trubisky or Kenny Pickett at quarterback.
The Steelers have a wealth of potential talent at the wide receiver position
Diontae Johnson
Diontae Johnson is without question the Steelers number 1 wide receiver. And while he battled drops early in his career, he is still one of the better route runners in the league. He ranks 25th among 96 wide receivers with at least 500 routes run. And while he awaits a new contract from the Steelers, he is picking the brain of presumptive Week 1 starting quarterback Mitch Trubisky telling Steelers.com:
"I am really picking Mitch's brain, trying to get that relationship with him...That is what is most exciting to me. Taking it a day at a time. When we are in practice, if a ball is coming my way, whatever play it is, just show that communication that we do have. I want to show it's going to continue to grow for everybody...We're cool friends right now. He is a cool dude. It's good."
Johnson's work ethic cannot be questioned. In addition to his eagerness to develop a strong relationship with his new quarterback, Steelers fans will remember his pregame tennis ball routine to address his drop issues last season.
Diontae Johnson has had a MONSTER season.
— Sunday Night Football on NBC (@SNFonNBC) January 17, 2022
One key to his success has been his warmup, which involves tennis balls to help his eyes get focused. #HereWeGo#PITvsKC on NBC and @peacockTV. pic.twitter.com/R0GlLQNhks
Chase Claypool
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver, Chase Claypool (#11) participates in Organized Team Activities (OTAs) Wednesday June 1, 2022 at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. (Abigail Dean/Pittsburgh Steelers)
After a breakout rookie campaign that saw him find the endzone 9 times in 2020, Claypool had what many considered to be a sophomore slump in 2021 with only 2 touchdowns and 860 yards. Even with Smith-Schuster sidelined for much of the season, Claypool just couldn't find that next gear as a solid number 2 receiver last season. So far in minicamp, the Steelers have been working out Claypool in the slot. Maybe the change in formation will lead to an All-Pro season for the talented receiver.
“I think now that I’m in the slot, just working out, like figuring out what the linebackers are doing in their zone coverage and safeties and looking at them kind of while I’m running the route, so just recognizing zones in the slot.”
Pat Freiermuth
Steelers.com
If Pat Freiermuth can continue to build on his rookie season, the former Penn State standout could end up being one of the premiere tight ends in the league. He ranked 6th in touchdowns last year with 7 TDs in his rookie campaign. In addition to elevating his game in 2022, Freiermuth is also looking to take on a leadership role with the Steelers in the locker room and on the field. Telling Sports Illustrated how he and running back Najee Harris look to approach this season:
"We're a really young offense and with leadership comes the responsibility to play well on the field. As long as we do that, we can be pretty good vocal leaders on this offense."
George Pickens
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver, George Pickens (#14) participates in the organized team activities (OTA’s), Thursday, June 2, 2022 at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. | Karl Roser/ Pittsburgh Steelers
The second round rookie wide receiver George Pickens is having a good minicamp thus far with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The former Georgia Bulldog is developing "Splash Play Chemistry" with Mitch Trubisky and if Matt Canada ops to use Chase Claypool more in the slot, that opens up a spot for Pickens to line up opposite Dionte Johnson. Pickens spoke with Sports Illustrated on his chemistry with Trubisky:
"He's been one of the quarterbacks to release it for sure. Throw it down the field," Pickens said. "A lot of the guys been trying to get with the program, which is totally fine, you only have so many reps. But yeah, he's been launching it."
Calvin Austin III
Steelers' WR Calvin Austin III makes a play in OTA's (Karl Roser/Pittsburgh Steelers)
The Steelers didn't just stop with Pickens, they used their fourth round pick on Calvin Austin III out of Memphis. At only 5'8", Austin III uses his speed to make up for his lack of height. He told the Trib Live:
“When I get out there, it’s never been like these guys are big and I’m small,” he said. “When I get out there, I’m a dog. I’m just ready for whatever competition, whoever is in front of me. When I’m on the field, I have no fear.”
Speed is what he has. Austin III runs a 4.32 40-yard dash and led Memphis in total offense last year. A skill player like that should be well utilized in Matt Canada's offense.
Depth
Right behind Johnson, Claypool, Pickens and Calvin Austin III is Miles Boykin. Boykin was signed after the Baltimore Ravens put him on waivers. Boykin was a 2019 draft target of the Steelers and now finds himself suiting up for the Black and Gold.
Cody White is another wideout that rounds out the depth at the receiver position. An injury cause him to miss some time in the preseason last year, ultimately contributing to his release. White is back and looking to make an impact this off-season if he can remain healthy.
Zach Gentry adds a nice compliment to Pat Freiermuth as a TE2 and could be utilized in two tight end sets and run blocking schemes.
How do the Steelers wide receiver corps sit with you? Is a ranking of 11 too high or too low? Will they meet or exceed these lofty expectations, or fall short of the mark? Lets us know in the comments below!
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