James Washington making a case to be a starter for Steelers in 2019

James Washington has been impressive so far in the preseason. Here’s why the second year receiver is making a strong case for a starting job on the Steelers.

The Steelers drafted James Washington in the 2nd round in 2018, but last year wasn’t exactly smooth sailing. The Oklahoma State product really struggled as a rookie.

Washington failed to make the most of his opportunities, and he had a hard time creating separation on his routes. He finished the 2018 season tied with John Ross for the worst rated qualifying wide receivers, according to Pro Football Focus.

Fast forward a year, and James Washington is looking like an entirely new player.

Washington admitted that he wasn’t in great shape last year. He told ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler this offseason that he was able to cut his weight down by 15 pounds.

Whatever changes he made, it seems to be working. Washington has been fantastic in his first two preseason performances of 2019. Despite playing just 2 partial games, Washington has hauled in 8 catches for 162 yards and a touchdown.

But it’s not just his eye-popping numbers that has been catching the attention of fans. Washington has been noticeably better at running routes and creating separation this preseason.

Colin Cowherd recently listed James Washington as his 3rd biggest breakout candidate for the 2019 season – and this was before his dominating performance against the Chiefs.

The Steelers are going to have a tough decision ahead of them at the wide receiver position. They paid Donte Moncrief to be their guy this offseason. While Moncrief has barely seen the field and fumbled away his lone catch, Washington has made the most of every look this preseason.

It will be interesting to see how Pittsburgh handles this situation moving forward. If James Washington continues to impress, it’s going to be impossible to keep him off the football field early this season.