Steelers Biggest Improvement: How WRs Will Work Together

The Pittsburgh Steelers have four playmakers at receiver. So, how will they work in the offense?
In this story:

How will the Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver room work together this season? Does anyone have to adjust to life in a new role? And can George Pickens and Calvin Austin make an immediate impact? 

The answer to all is yes. 

Let's start with the new roles. It's likely that Chase Claypool takes his talents inside to the slot in 2022, while remaining the team's WR2. He'll play on the outside and then move to slot in 11-personnel to allow Pickens to play the outside, which is a better fit naturally. 

Claypool carries everything you want in a slot receiver, including the impressive ability to make things happen with the ball in his hands. With more potential to make plays with his after-catch ability, the move should be effortless. 

Pickens and Austin should see immediate playing time this season, as long as they develop how they should. Pickens could play across the field, but will need to adjust to a more diverse route tree. Meanwhile, Austin will spend his time in the slot after playing the outside for most of his career at Memphis. 

In Matt Canada's offense, Austin should have plenty of opportunity to showcase his skills as a play-maker. 

Diontae Johnson isn't going anywhere. He'll remain the team's primary target and true X-receiver. He plays that position perfectly, and in the Steelers offense, it's extremely valuable. 

At the end of the day, this group is scary good on paper. If they meet expectations, Pittsburgh should see a major upgrade at wide receiver. 

Make sure you bookmark All Steelers for the latest news, exclusive interviews, film breakdowns and so much more!

Antonio Brown Bashes Hines Ward: 'Hurry Up and Get Out the Way'

Steelers Biggest Improvements/Needs Heading into OTAs

OT Most Likely UDFA to Make Steelers Roster

Mike Tomlin Isn't Bothered by Veterans Not Mentoring Rookies

Mitchell Trubisky Could Earn Extra $4 Million This Season

George Pickens Says He Brings Steelers Mentality to WR


Published
Noah Strackbein
NOAH STRACKBEIN

Noah is the Publisher for All Steelers, Inside the Panthers (InsideThePanthers.com) and Inside the Penguins (InsidethePenguins.com), and is the host of All Steelers Talk (YouTube.com/AllSteelersTalk). A Scranton native, Noah made his way to the Pittsburgh sports scene in 2017. Now, he's pretty much full-yinzer.