5 potential new starters for Pittsburgh Steelers in 2020
By Tommy Jaggi
WR James Washington
James Washington won’t technically be a first-time starter for the Steelers, as he was forced to step up last year when JuJu Smith-Schuster went down. However, the former number three receiver could see an increased role this season.
Though he may not be able to repeat his statistical production from last season as his 735 yards led the team in receiving, he could still serve as the full-time Z-receiver for the Steelers. Washington doesn’t have anywhere near the speed of former Pittsburgh deep threats like Mike Wallace or Martavis Bryant, and he will often have a defender still in his hip pocket. However, he’s better than both Wallance any Bryant at tracking the ball and making contested catches down the field.
Roethlisberger doesn’t look deep as often these days, but I think he’s going to like throwing to Washington because of the way he attacks the ball. Even with the acquisitions of Eric Ebron and Chase Claypool and with the emergence of Diontae Johnson, look for Washington to play starter snaps this year.