Steelers roster predictions: Wide receiver and tight end
Wide Receiver (6) – George Pickens, Diontae Johnson, Allen Robinson, Calvin Austin, Miles Boykin and Gunnar Olszewski
Pickens, Johnson, and Robinson are the projected starters. The speedy Calvin Austin started out his Steelers career with a splash going to the end zone on a 67-yard pass delivered by Mason Rudolph. He followed that up with a 54-yard punt return in Buffalo He looks to have a big year and should be targeted a lot in 2023.
Olszewski will probably be the final WR because of his familiarity with the system and return ability. Yes, he had a bad 2022 but he was a quality return man in New England. He had a good game against the Bills with 41 yards receiving and 24 yards on two punt returns.
The Steelers also like his run blocking and he’s been having a good training camp. Miles Boykin is probably going to stick due to his special teams play. Hopefully, he can get better integrated into the passing game, this year.
Tight End (3) – Pat Freiermuth, Darnell Washington and Zach Gentry
When the Steelers drafted Washington they potentially gave themselves one of the best TE duos in the league. I can’t wait to see Freiermuth and Washington in the two tight end passing sets.
Gentry became a viable target last season and has developed into a good TE2. He also showed himself to be the team’s best blocking tight end. Both those roles will be challenged by Darnell Washington. Some think Gentry could be cut or traded but with the number of two tight end sets the Steelers play, a third TE is practically a must. The combo of Washington and Gentry on running-downs could be awesome. This is a really good tight end room.