Best-case NFL player comparisons for Steelers young wide receivers
By Tommy Jaggi
JuJu Smith-Schuster
Best-case player comparison: Roddy White
Roddy White was a terrific football player who had a very productive career for the Atlanta Falcons. However, much like JuJu Smith-Schuster, there was frequent debate as to whether or not he was truly a ‘number one’ receiver.
White didn’t possess elite athletic traits, but he was a big, powerful receiver who could pluck the ball out of the air and win in traffic. In addition, he was a physical with the football in his hands and hard to bring down after the catch.
Where JuJu is behind White at the moment is his route running. White didn’t start off as a terrific route runner, but he became an expert at selling his routes later in his career. As a result, the powerful receiver earned 4 Pro Bowl honors and 1 All-Pro in his successful 11-year career.
Smith-Schuster already had a season with more yards than White ever had (1,426 yards in 2018), However, JuJu has been far less consistent over the past two seasons. In addition, White has 6 seasons of at least 1,150 yards and 6 touchdowns. This is attainable for JuJu – whether he continues his career with the Steelers after the 2021 season or becomes a reliable receiving option for a new team next year.