Is Steelers future wide receiver at the 2020 Senior Bowl?

As the Senior Bowl kicks off in Mobile, AL, the Pittsburgh Steelers are present and could be eyeing a future WR in the Steel City.

If there’s one team in the NFL that has a storied legacy at the wide receiver position, it’s the Pittsburgh Steelers. From Hall of Fame teammates, Lynn Swann & John Stallworth to the modern-day talents of Hines Ward, Santonio Holmes, Plaxico Burress, and Antonio Brown, all have made their mark in this league.

Now in the “Golden Age“ for receivers, the talent is increasingly growing as the sport has shifted towards its elements. Being able to find premier talent from not only the blue-bloods of the NCAA, but even Division II schools have their share of prospects in the league.

No matter the level of competition or selected round, the Steelers have been one of the few in identifying quality players, specifically receivers, and could find another starting at the Senior Bowl.

WR Antonio Gandy-Golden, Liberty

Liberty University. Yes, unless someone has a known relative or is a local citizen to Lynchburg, Virginia, it is highly likely someone has never heard of the private institution. With a couple of notable alumni such as QB Nick Foles & RB Rashad Jennings already in the NFL, WR Antonio Gandy-Golden is next in line to prove himself worthy.

A member of the North Team in the Senior Bowl, Gandy-Golden is in one of the more critical situations than nearly anybody up there. The back-to-back 1000 yard & 10 touchdowns WR carries a load of hype from the dominance, but favorably from the lesser competition.

Officially listed at 6’3 & 222 pounds, the Dallas, Georgia native is a very raw prospect, but has the ceiling to bet on. A big-body that would bring a different size to the Steelers WR corps, he excels in locating balls down the field & reeling them in whenever given the opportunity.

Great hands & a catch radius to die for, his physicality in his routes and as a blocker are benefits to his game.

As said before, Gandy-Golden is a raw prospect. Though he might appear as a highlight play away from happening, he needs refining in his technique from releases off the LOS and routes in general.

With his intangibles and proper development, a team could be in for a mid-round player that has the chance to skyrocket his value in the NFL. Already a standout in the first practices, Gandy-Golden has the tools and HC Mike Tomlin is there to see it first hand.

WR Jauan Jennings, Tennessee

On the opposing side, the South team features a WR group headlined by Collin Johnson and Devin Duvernay, but another name to pay close attention to is former Tennessee Volunteer Jauan Jennings.

A QB in high school, the converted WR wasn’t a name that was familiar with the national media, but offers a lot to bet on. Though he never eclipsed the 1,000 yard or 10 touchdown accolades such as AGG, he’s more experienced and could’ve very well been held back by limited quarterback play.

Again, a different build from who’s on the Steelers standing at 6’3” and weighing 206 pounds, he also very talented to what happens after he catches the ball. Averaging 14 yards or more per catch (16.4 being his highest as a senior) three out of the five years he was a Vol, Jennings is more than just the typical “big WR”. 

Used in an array of ways at Tennessee from his background as a QB lining up in the wildcat formation, to finding a significant amount of time in the slot & outside as a WR, it was simply putting the ball in the hands of the team’s best playmaker.

A cleaner route runner than what you’ll see on tape from AGG, Jennings is physical from the time the ball is snapped to the point of the catch.

The funny thing about Jennings though is he’ll make the plays and catches that’ll leave fans in awe, but then sometimes miss on the most routine catches. A strange thing, but not something that is common with him, Jennings also missed his junior year due to surgery on a dislocated wrist, but had no other significant injuries that should worry teams.

However, another interesting prospect with tools & size that had surrounding limits in college that could bring a different likeness to the Steelers that hasn’t existed since Martavis Bryant – who wasn’t much either.

All in all, Jauan Jennings & Antonio Gandy-Golden should both be climbers during the draft process that have the potential to be quality options.