Predicting Steelers target distribution for the 2020 season

Steelers 2020 target predictions (cont.):

James Conner: 45 targets

As the Steelers lead running back, Conner is still going to get a fair amount of looks in the passing game (assuming he stays somewhat healthy). However, that number won’t be as big as it was two years ago. The Steelers are deeper at receiver now, and there are more running backs on the roster capable of decent roles this year.

Chase Claypool: 41 targets

Chase Claypool will eventually make his mark on the Steelers offense, but it likely won’t be this sesaon. Though he could end up being a special teams standout as a rookie, it will be hard for the young receiver to carve out a significant role in a crowded wide receiver corps from the gate.

Vance McDonald: 37 targets

Vance McDonald won’t be anywhere near the force he was two years ago when he earned 50 catches and 610 yards, but he could still get a respectable number of looks as Pittsburgh’s number two pass-catching tight end. However, most of his work will probably be done as an inline blocker.

Obviously, other pass-catchers like Ryan Switzer and several of the running backs will get into the mix here, but here are Pittsburgh’s top pass-catchers heading into the 2020 season. This would put Roethlisberger’s pass attempts at 627 (not counting passes to receivers not included on this list. It will be interesting to see if this target distribution prediction ends up being accurate.