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Martavis Bryant’s Role in Year 2 with Steelers

By Justin Roem

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Steelers GM Kevin Colbert and his team of scouts know how to grade receivers. Their uncanny ability to unearth talent outside of the first two rounds of the NFL draft has led to a consistently stocked receiving corps.

Martavis Bryant was the big 2014 addition to that group. Grumblings of disappointment were heard throughout training camp and the early parts of the season. Everyone but Antonio Brown seemed like an afterthought and Bryant had not even earned an active spot on the roster.

That all changed midway through the season when Bryant was inserted into the lineup. This ended up being a great decision by the coaching staff, as Bryant started burning opposing defenses and continued to do so throughout the balance of the season.

So, what will 2015 look like for Bryant? He has a chance to solidify his role as the number two wide receiver. From Santonio Holmes and Antonio Brown to Markus Wheaton and Mike Wallace, Steelers receivers have the tendency to significantly increase production from year one to year two.

There will be competition from Markus Wheaton, who put together a decent campaign after little to no involvement his rookie year. Bryant has size and speed on his side, but did seem to have trouble winning 50-50 balls in 2014. Anytime he didn’t beat his man outright, it was a struggle.

Bryant’s involvement will be crucial to the Steelers’ offensive success while they are without Le’Veon Bell weeks 1, 2, and 3. Having a lanky blazer to keep the defense honest can allow the Steelers to remain balanced. The addition of DeAngelo Williams is an obvious indication of the Steelers’ intent to remain multifaceted without Bell.

In 2015, teams will have more film on Bryant and can do a better job in their preparation, but at the end of the day he is still a tall and gifted athlete. The number two spot at wide receiver is one to watch during mini camps and training camp.

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