Steelers 2021 training camp preview: Wide receivers
Next up on our look at the Pittsburgh Steelers roster heading into training camp are the wide receivers. Pittsburgh got a huge surprise when JuJu Smith-Schuster signed back with the team giving the Steelers one of the best young groups in the AFC.
Who will be there?
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
As with every training camp, the Steelers are coming in with a ton of wide receivers on the roster. Here's the list of the guys who are currently on the roster. Cody White James Washington JuJu Smith-Schuster Tyler Simmons Mathew Sexton Isaiah McKoy Ray-Ray McCloud Diontae Johnson Anthony Johnson Chase Claypool Rico Bussey Of those 11 players, there are really five that matter. Chase Claypool, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Diontae Johnson, James Washington and Ray-Ray McCloud are the top guys. I'll never rule out a player like Anthony Johnson or Rico Bussey impressing at camp but all eyes are on those top five.
What to watch?
Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports
Two things really stand out with this wide receiver group. First up we have Diontae Johnson and his drops from last season. Johnson has a chance to be a very productive NFL player but there is a lot of talent on this team and his opportunities for targets will all depend on the work he's put in this offseason. The other thing I want to track is the usage of guys like James Washington and Ray-Ray McCloud. Particularly McCloud. He's a super elusive player who doesn't have long speed but could be an interesting weapon for new offensive coordinator Matt Canada.
How it will all play out.
(AP Photo/Don Wright)
In the final analysis, this group, while fascinating will be rather anti-climactic at training camp. The five guys who will make the 53-man roster are locked in short of injury but if the Steelers opt for a sixth wide receiver there could be some drama there. The more important thing to keep an eye on especially into preseason is how the team uses Smith-Schuster and Claypool, the team's two best receivers to help not only expand the passing game but help facilitate a more effective rushing attack.
1
1
