The Pittsburgh Steelers are without All-Pro wide receiver, Antonio Brown this year. Here’s how I graded their group of receivers in 2019.
The Steelers receiving corps has certainly changed a lot over the past couple seasons. Two years ago, the Steelers had a 1,500 yard, All-Pro wide receiver in Antonio Brown, and one of the leagues best deep threats in Martavis Bryant on the outside.
Fast forward two years, and the Steelers have a very different look. Though JuJu Smith-Schuster is quickly turning into a household name, there are a lot of question marks after him. Here is how I graded the Steelers receivers heading into 2019:
JuJu Smith-Schuster
JuJu has already established himself has one of the best young receivers in the league, but he will have to prove himself one more time without Antonio Brown drawing coverage from him in 2019.
Smith Schuster, however, possesses the physicality and versatility to play at a high level in this league for a long time. He is the clear cut number one receiver in Pittsburgh.
James Washington
Don’t count out the former 2nd round draft choice just yet. Although his rookie season was less than impressive, James Washington seems poised to redeem himself. However, a struggling second year receiver is not an ideal number two option.
Donte Moncrief
It remains to be seen how Moncrief will play a role for the Steelers, but his money indicates that he will be on the field often. Moncrief has only ever been an average receiver in his career, so don’t hold him unrealistic expectations.
Diontae Johnson
The rookie out of Toledo is the most interesting of the three players battling to be the number two receiver. Though he is not big or overly athletic, Diontae Johnson’s route running and, release, and separation were great in college. He could end up being a difference maker as soon as his rookie season.
Ryan Switzer
The Steelers have a solid option in the slot with Switzer. Though his tiny stature and average hands put a cap on his ceiling, he has the ability to create separation with quick feet and good route running. Switzer is a player Ben Roethlisberger could learn to love in 2019.
Eli Rogers
There are two slot receivers on the Steelers that are cut from the same breed. Eli Rogers has proven to be competent, but he could be on the outside looking in after the Steelers traded for Ryan Switzer last year.
Wide receiver grade: C+
This group was easily on of the best in the league as recent as last season, but it still remains to be seen how the Steelers will fare without All-Pro Antonio Brown. There is a lot of inexperience among a group of widely unproven wide receivers.
With JuJu being the only proven commodity, this receiving corps leaves a lot to be desired. Much of their success is dependent upon the progression of young receivers James Washington and Diontae Johnson. If they can prove to be factors in 2019, my grade in this area will change for the better.