An annual rite of passage… Our Training Camp Previews for the Pittsburgh Steelers. The concept here is pretty straightforward; we’ll take a look at each position. Who is vying for a place on the 53-man roster and how will that happen? Obviously there are some spots much each easier to break down than others but we’ll do our best to cover it all. Today we cover the Wide Receivers.
D.K. Metcalf, 7th Season
At the time of this writing, Metcalf is the highest paid player in the history of the Pittsburgh Steelers. And he’s yet to take a snap for them. That shows just how different things are under Omar Khan. For Metcalf himself, the two-time Pro Bowler brings a durable and dominant presence to the lineup. At 6’4″ and 235lbs, there are few that can offer that kind of size and speed in the NFL.
While not a 100% polished route runner, he’s made great strides since entering the league. He has the ability to go and get the ball from any position. His physical traits combine with his athleticism to create one of the more dominant pass catchers around. The Steelers will rely on him from the start but must also find ways of creating opportunities for him. If they can’t get other guys open then opposing defenses will double him.
Calvin Austin III, 4th Season
CAIII enters Camp as the number two wideout according to WR Coach Zach Azzanni. No one can question the work ethic and professionalism this young man has brought to the Steelers but the reality is this; we are dealing with a guy who is 5’9″ and a shade over 160lbs. Yes, he’s quick and yes, he’s fast. But defenses will press the heck out of him with athletic and larger cornerbacks.
I still believe, that while he’s been referred to as “the #2 wide receiver,” he will be used throughout the formation. Arthur Smith needs to get him moving in motion before the snap and also needs to give him some chances to make plays from the slot. In his two active years (he missed his rookie season with a foot injury), CAIII totaled 53 receptions and five scores. I believe he will be a contributor but let’s also keep in mind the lack of size limits his blocking which in turn will limit his snaps as the Steelers look to be ‘run heavy.’
Roman Wilson, 2nd Season
After missing his entire rookie season due to injuries and missing so much of the crucial learning phases, Wilson looks to have a massive rebound. Things are off to a good start; he had a tremendous Mini-Camp and was a constant bright spot throughout OTAs. He’s an excellent route runner who will give defensive backs fits with his quick feet and surprising strength. All that said, Wilson is mostly limited to the slot and must remain healthy in order to live up to his third round draft status.
Robert Woods, 13th Season
Woods takes on the ‘wily veteran’ role in place of Van Jefferson who lasted just one season in Pittsburgh. I view Woods as a better and more reliable option than Jefferson. Perhaps more importantly, Woods is a big-time blocker which is sorely needed at the position. I don’t see Woods being an impact player per se, but you can’t discount his experience and football football knowledge.
Ben Skowronek, 5th Season
“Dirtbag” returns to the Steelers after becoming a bit of a fan favorite in 2024. The former Notre Dame star isn’t going to do anything jaw-dropping but at the same time, he’ll bust his ass every, single time he’s on the field. His importance to Danny Smith on Special Teams elevated throughout last season but he also showed the ability to catch the ball and then do something with it. He had just five receptions last year but he averaged over 13 yards per catch. Make no mistake, he’s a Special Teams guy first, but don’t dismiss his ability as a receiver if needed.
Roc Taylor, Rookie
Taylor was a first-team all American Athletic Conference selection last season for the Memphis Tigers. He has nice size at 6’2″ and 215lbs and long arms as well. That said, Taylor struggles with two key and very large parts of the receiving game. He struggles to get off the line against tight coverage and he’s frequently re-routed by quality DBs. There is a lot to like here but I think a season on the Practice Squad will help him immensely.
Scotty Miller, 7th Season
The former Bowling Green Falcon returns to the Steelers looking to make the roster based off his previous experiences, route running and hard work. He is part of a logjam at the slot receiver position and will need to do some things to separate from the pack. He’s a quality route runner and has a high football I.Q. but his lack of size does him no good in terms of breaking tackles. Arthur Smith is a big fan of his having had him in Atlanta but Miller may need some help to make the roster.
Brandon Johnson, 3rd Season
Johnson has 26 career receptions in three seasons with Denver (two) and the Steelers. Right now, he’s a Practice Squad player at best.
Montana Lemonious-Craig, Rookie
While he sounds more like a ‘Key and Peele’ character, Lemonious-Craig is no doubt a real player. He signed with the Steelers as an undrafted free agent after the Draft. He spent three season in Colorado before finishing his career with two seasons at Arizona. Definitely headed to the Practice Squad at this time.
Lance McCutcheon, 2nd Season
He played four seasons at Montana State leaving in 2021. His senior campaign saw him catch 61 passes for 1,100 yards and eight scores. He has spent time with the Rams, Texans and Jets before signing with the Steelers. He appeared in 10 career games which were all with LA in 2022. He actually made the Rams’ initial 53-man roster that year but saw limited action.
Ke’Shawn Williams, Rookie
He was part of the senior class at Indiana that led the Hoosiers to a surprise berth in the College Football Playoff. He recorded 58 receptions for just under 900 yards and scored 13 times. Physically, he has limitations being at 5’9″ and with a very limited catch radius but I’ll say this; he plays hard and he’s tough as nails. I think he’s an easy candidate for someone to really shine during the preseason but he’s destined for the Practice Squad early on.
How It Shakes Out
Metcalf, Austin III, Wilson, Woods and Skowronek are your shoo-in selections right now if the Steelers just keep five receivers on the roster. Two things however to keep in mind. First, Mike Tomlin has kept six in the past. Secondly, I don’t think Omar Khan is done filling this position just yet. Whether they turn to Gabe Davis who visited a month ago or they make a trade, I still believe they will add another receiver before the season starts.
