The Pittsburgh Steelers got a solid return man and slot receiver in Ryan Switzer. But what are they going to do with the remainder of their receivers?
The preseason was coming to a close and it appeared the only thing Pittsburgh Steelers’ fans were focusing on was their inside linebacker concern. Then, Monday afternoon came around, and Pittsburgh showed us they’re ready to turn their entire team into stars.
Sending a fifth-round pick to the Oakland Raiders, Pittsburgh received second-year wideout, Ryan Switzer, and a sixth-round pick.
This improves the Steelers’ roster in two ways. For one, this is the first time in years they have a playmaker in the return game. Switzer can return both kicks and punts. In his rookie campaign, the former Cowboy accumulated 256 punt return yards and a touchdown, and 600 kick return yards.
Switzer basically walks into the return role in Pittsburgh. This removes Antonio Brown from the punt coverage and allows the team to stop looking for a reliable kick returner.
Where the decisions now need to be made are in the receiving core. Before Monday, the Steelers were debating over Justin Hunter, Darrius Heyward-Bey and Damoun Patterson. Eli Rogers was expected to claim the fourth receiver spot.
Today, that’s all out the window. Switzer will presumably be the backup to JuJu Smith-Schuster in the slot. While Eli Rogers may be the next best receiver on the roster, his strengths are on the inside, which could leave him in a tight situation.
Pittsburgh still needs to find someone who can fill in on the outside behind Antonio Brown and James Washington. Rogers may be the most talented remaining wideout, but Justin Hunter and Darrius Heyward-Bey are the stronger competitors on the outside.
Leaving the decision in the hands of the coaches – who’s in and who’s out? Eli Rogers’ suspension doesn’t help his case. The fact that he likely won’t be ready also isn’t helping.
HIs talent and chemistry with Ben Roethlisberger does. Hunter has finally done something this preseason, but for the second straight season he appears to be flashier in the training camp than during in-game situations.
At this point, there is a huge decision to be made over the next week. It comes down to who they believe provides the best impact if need-be. None of these receivers will play a significant role in 2018, but they will be called upon at points. Something only the Steelers can decide who they want to take on that responsibility.