You might think this is an open and shut case for the Steelers in terms of who makes the roster but there are a couple of intriguing questions entering camp. The first has become pretty obvious in that it appears Martavis Bryant will become the number two over Markus Wheaton. The second question surrounds the all-important fourth and fifth spots so let’s get started.
Starters: Antonio Brown, Martavis Bryant, Markus Wheaton
If I’m any kind of journalist at all, I’ll give you a glowing couple of paragraphs on AB but let’s be real; I’m no journalist and he needs no introduction.
Bryant didn’t even have a helmet for the first six games of his rookie season before he burst on to the scene with nine touchdown receptions over the rest of the season. His size, speed and freakish athleticism is too much to not have on the field.
Wheaton has yet to live up to his third round draft status in my opinion. That isn’t to say he isn’t capable though. In fact, I think you’ll see him thrive in the slot but that comes with an important caveat. Wheaton has to be on the same page as Ben Roethlisberger and that hasn’t always been the case.
If Wheaton struggles to get the right routes in the right situations then that opens the door for others but for now I believe the slot is Wheaton’s to lose.
Fourth/Fifth Receivers: Sammie Coates and Darrius Heyward Bey
For a team that needed to re-tool its’ defense, the Steelers spent a lot of time looking at receivers with very high draft grades. Therefore, it wasn’t a huge surprise that they choose Coates in the third round of the draft. While there are questions about his hands, his combination of size, speed and athleticism are too much to keep out of the fourth spot.
Bey is a favorite of Head Coach Mike Tomlin for his veteran presence and attitude as well as his leadership on special teams but if a younger player can match DHB in the special teams area then he becomes expendable. The former first round pick of the Raiders has never lived up to that billing.
He was little to no threat in the passing game last season and the only way I see him contributing in 2015 is if there are major issues with injuries ahead of him.
Challengers: C.J. Goodwin, Devin Gardner and Tyler Murphy
The latter two both have collegiate experience at quarterback and are attempting the always difficult switch to receiver at the pro level. Since the days of Bill Cowher, the Steelers have prized players with multi-faceted abilities but I’m not sure either guy makes a real dent. Look for one of them to make the practice squad however.
Goodwin is a California (PA) product who possesses a lot of raw athletic ability which includes a vertical jump of 40″ and up. His biggest challenge will be whether or not he can match what Heyward-Bey can do on special teams.
Don’t be surprised to see Goodwin unseat DHB but a fifth WR spot could come down to whether someone shows the ability to return punts too. Getting Antonio Brown off of that duty is crucial.
There’s tremendous excitement surrounding the Steelers’ offense and much of it has to do with these receivers. The top three are set, but the potential depth is a concern especially if Coates can’t perform well enough to be on the field.
