Steelers Passing Attack: Need for a Middle of the Field Target

We all know the Steelers passing attack can air it deep, but who can help out over the middle of the field?

While the Steelers passing attack may be one of the NFL’s most lethal, I still believe there is drastic room for improvement. Even though they rank 8th in the NFL in passing yardage per game, adding a more consistent threat over the middle of the field could help Pittsburgh immensely.

The talent is there. We all know what having some guy named Antonio Brown does for an offense. He is probably the most talented WR, if not player, in the NFL. Sammie Coates is also quietly developing into one of the NFL’s premier deep threats, and Le’Veon Bell may be the NFL’s best receiving back.

However, the Steelers passing attack still needs additional production from the slot WR and TE positions. Apart from one impressive Eli Rogers outing and a few Jesse James TD grabs, the Steelers have gotten little benefit from these positions.

Going forward, here are some possible ways the Steelers could fix this issue.

Scenario 1: Ladarius Green is the Man

With Ladarius Green set to return in the near future, maybe he could be the answer? The Steeler’s prized free agency acquisition is set to make his debut, possibly as early as this Sunday.

While Green will certainly need to be slowly transitioned back, his skill set is exactly what Pittsburgh needs. Green is a lethal red-zone target and threat over the middle of the field.

Additionally, his athleticism and route running at the TE position will allow him to create separation over the middle. This will open things up for the Steelers offense and let Ben have open deep shots to Brown and Coates.

Scenario 2: Le’Veon the Wideout

It’s odd to suggest using one of the NFL’s best running backs in the slot, but this may be an intriguing option for Pittsburgh.

I’m not suggesting this to be an every down occurrence, but until Pittsburgh finds a better option, sparingly using Bell in the slot could be a good idea.

Bell’s quickness and route running make him an ideal fit for the position. The Steelers have already experimented with using Bell in the slot, and I think it would be wise to continue to do so, at least until Green is ready to contribute.

Scenario 3: Look to the Draft!

The most logical solution for Pittsburgh would be to draft a true slot WR who can challenge the middle of the field. While this idea may not benefit them in 2016, it would be a wise investment for years to come.

One possible option that comes to my mind is UNC wideout Ryan Switzer.

As I noted in our Bye Week Mock Draft, Ryan Switzer is an ideal slot option. He possesses extraordinary quickness to separate from defenders and is an excellent route runner. Most importantly, he could most likely be drafted in the later rounds, as the Steelers have greater needs on defense.

Next: Pittsburgh Steelers Mock Draft: Bye Week Edition

Have another idea of how the Steelers could fix this problem? Leave your thoughts in the comments below!