An early Steelers 53-man roster prediction before training camp
By Andrew Falce
WR (5): JuJu Smith-Schuster, Diontae Johnson, Chase Claypool, James Washington, Ray-Ray McCloud
I wanted the Steelers to carry a sixth receiver, and more specifically a slot option like Anthony Johnson, but needs elsewhere and the strength of the options on the roster led to this number staying at five. Each player has a defined role, and the strengths of each individual makes this group complete at only five options
Chase Claypool, JuJu Smith-Schuster, and Diontae Johnson will resume their roles as starters. Each is different enough from the other to all play at the same time. Smith-Schuster will resume his role as the physical slot receiver while Claypool will look to build off of an impressive rookie season. Don’t sleep on Johnson this season either. His drops were a frustrating point last season, but he is clearly one of the top targets on this offense and one of the most dynamic weapons with the ball in his hands
After them, James Washington will be top reserve at most spots, giving this team great depth and versatility, and Ray-Ray McCloud will serve as the gadget receiver and returner. The question becomes will this team keep a reserve around? I’m saying no right now, but if a player like Johnson or even undrafted rookie Isaiah McKoy does enough in camp and on special teams to earn a spot, six receivers are certainly in play.