Home Steelers Draft SCB Steelers’ Draft Journals: WR Ryan Switzer

SCB Steelers’ Draft Journals: WR Ryan Switzer

by Steeldad

My focus today is a guy many will argue the Pittsburgh Steelers really don’t need but in my opinion, you can never have enough good receivers especially those with return skills too.

Ryan Switzer, WR North Carolina

5’9″ 180 pounds

2016 stats: 96 receptions, 1,117 yards, 6 TDs

What’s To Like: Doesn’t drop many balls despite not being a true ‘hands catcher’… Operates from slot well. Uses the seam well and has very good feet which set up his route-running… Gets off defenders better than you might think and creates separation… Probably doesn’t get enough credit for getting balls outside of his body… Could be a serious threat on option routes because he runs very disciplined routes, doesn’t tip the DB as to where he’s going… Adds dimension of being a very good punt returner.

What’s Concerning: Size is definitely a factor… He’s going to be limited to the slot… Because of his size, comparison to other NFL slot guys will be natural but probably unfair… He’s willing to block but not overly effective… Has some elusiveness but isn’t going run away from NFL DBs… Fans will mistake his quickness for outright speed… Lets the ball get into his body a bit too much for my liking.

The Verdict: With Eli Rogers and Demarcus Ayers already in-house, the need for Switzer isn’t overly necessary as a slot receiver. That said, he’d be intriguing simply because he gives slot defenders fits and offers punt return capability as well. Todd Haley would have to be creative with Switzer and based on his usage of Dri Archer, I’m not overly confident in that. Granted Switzer is a very different player. I think the third round is where he probably goes but I don’t see him such a need for the Steelers that they would need to go there. If he’s available in the fourth round? I would be OK with that.

Link: All 2017 Steel City Blitz Draft Player Journals

Photo courtesy: Tar Heel Blog

Video courtesy: draftbreakdown.com/youtube.com

 

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1 comment

UPDATED 3/2: Who are the Steelers meeting with? See here. - Steel City Blitz March 3, 2017 - 5:05 pm

[…] Ryan Switzer, WR, North Carolina – Senior Bowl Bio: http://www.goheels.com/ViewArticle.dbml?ATCLID=206284374&DB_OEM_ID=3350 Draft Journal: http://old.steelcityblitz.com/2017/02/28/scb-steelers-draft-journals-wr-ryan-switzer/ […]

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