Steelers 53-man roster prediction before 2021 training camp

Steelers Wide Receivers (5)

JuJu Smith-Schuster, Chase Claypool, Diontae Johnson, James Washington, Ray-Ray McCloud

This is another group where the top five options are set in stone. The only real question is if a sixth receiver can latch onto the active roster. While I have sung the praises of a player like Isaiah McKoy, he will need to be flat-out dominant in camp to earn a roster spot. Not just offensive plays either, as McKoy will have to prove to be a worthy special teams’ player, as that would be his only realistic path to a roster spot in 2021.

Assuming the team only keeps five then, the choices are set in stone. The more interesting discussion will be how will the receivers line up on offense. J.J. Smith-Schuster has shown a desire to play more on the outside. This could lead to Chase Claypooltaking on more of a slot role on occasion. As well, Diontae Johnson could even see some snaps inside assuming someone could hold down his spot as an X receiver.

Even if the Steelers receivers shuffle themselves around a little, it won’t result in anything monumental changing in terms of where they play. In all honestly, Ray-Ray McCloud could end up being the X-factor of this group. He was used as a gadget player regularly last year but could see more snaps as a traditional slot receiver this year. Again though, if the team doesn’t keep six receivers, then this group is mostly set for this season.