By: G.Stryker, Twitter @SNStryker and Instagram @SNStryker
SteelerNation.com
As the Pittsburgh Steelers are entering live tackling drills mid August, here is how I see the Steelers’ depth chart:
(Players in bold, are projected to make the roster)
LWR (X) Diontae Johnson (+), Ray-Ray McCloud
SWR (Y) JuJu Smith-Schuster (+), Ryan Switzer (+),
RWR (Z) James Washington, Chase Claypool (+),
Deon Cain, Anthony Johnson, Amara Darboh
I’ve placed the deep ball receivers with size on the right (Z), more polished route running receivers on the left (X), and slot guys are in the middle (Y). Last year the Steelers kept six receivers, and I expect them to do the same this season.
Diontae Johnson led the Steelers in receptions and receiving touchdowns last season. He made 2nd team All-Pro as a punt returner and is a lock to not only make this roster, but to start as the X receiver. The Steelers just added Ray-Ray McCloud, and this says to me they don’t have another viable X receiver. McCloud brings excellent hands, good route running, and punt/kick returning experience on an NFL level. He has a shot of making the roster if he stays healthy and shows he is as sure handed as his college tape.
JuJu Smith-Schuster is the best receiver on this team. He’s the top blocking receiver, a mismatch in the slot as a big-slot receiver, and is the only rostered receiver with the ability to play all three WR positions. He drew the double teams last year to let others shine, and also played hurt. With a healthy season and a healthy Ben Roethlisberger, look for him to have a breakout year. Ryan Switzer has worked hard this off-season to transform his body into a human pitbull. Look for tough contested catches and big first downs out of Switzer to keep the chains moving on offense.
James Washington led the team in receiving yards last year, and had an impressive season despite three different quarterbacks throwing him the ball. Early reports are he is a freak athlete and tough to defend. He is essentially an elite-athletic linebacker playing wide receiver, and that is a rare trait for any team to have. Chase Claypool was the first pick in the second round for the Steelers in the 2020 NFL Draft. His special teams prowess in college assures him of a roster spot. Joe Haden talked about how tough he is to defend means he’s a lock and has a lot of upside moving into this season. Deon Cain was a nice pickup last year and had some good, tough catches for the Steelers last season. Right now I have him making the team with the familiarity of the offense. If he can also show he can play the X, he will be a lock. The Steelers are very Z receiver heavy. I like Anthony Jonson’s deep ball ability, and it may be the best on the team at deep separation, but he has to challenge the diversity of abilities of the three receivers ahead of him. Definitely a practice squad option if he doesn’t make the roster. Amara Darboh is another deep ball threat. He is also a body catcher, and when I’m looking at receivers to keep, I like them to have excellent hand placement. From what I see on film, he does not have that, so it will be difficult for him to stick around on the roster or the practice squad.
Currently, I have to say Smith-Schuster, Johnson, Washington, and Claypool are locks. After that you have Switzer, Cain, and McCloud fighting for the last 2 spots. Injuries can be a great equalizer, so it’s still anyone’s guess as to who will make this roster.
Who do you think should make the final roster as a wide receiver? Comment below and share your thoughts.
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