Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports
There is no doubt that the Steelers are able to draft quality wide receivers late in the draft. They typically look for receivers with short area quickness and a developed and diverse route-tree. They also like to add a deep threat specialist to the mix.
This combination benefits the quarterback and the wide receiver. However, the receivers can get open as often as they want, if the quarterback can’t get them the ball, it doesn’t matter.
Teams like New England have had similar success. Late round picks or free agent receivers have given Tom Brady all the tools he needs to win. Players like Wes Welker, Julian Edelman, and Danny Amendola are good examples of this.
The same could be said of any great quarterback. Manning, Brady, Roethlisberger, Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees, and a few others have all experienced great success with a number of wide receivers.
It all comes down to offensive execution and knowing where to go with the ball. The bulk of the offensive success comes down to the quarterback. So, while there is no doubt that Antonio Brown and Martavis Bryant are great talents, it’s important to remember that Ben Roethlisberger will likely go down as a legendary one.