The NFL thinks the Steelers have lost their fastball when it comes to WRs
The Pittsburgh Steelers are known for drafting and developing wide receivers at a high clip. Often not even using capital in the first round, the list of exceptional WRs that started in Pittsburgh is lengthy. But if the latest rankings from NFL personnel mean anything, the league thinks those days are done: No Love for […]
The Pittsburgh Steelers are known for drafting and developing wide receivers at a high clip.
Often not even using capital in the first round, the list of exceptional WRs that started in Pittsburgh is lengthy.
But if the latest rankings from NFL personnel mean anything, the league thinks those days are done:
No Love for Pittsburgh’s Wideouts
In the final edition of his annual position rankings, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN finally unveiled the top 10 wide receivers in the league, as voted on by NFL personnel including coaches, evaluators, and executives.
That list didn't include any receiver from Pittsburgh in the top 10, but to make matters worse, not only did Pittsburgh have no honorable mentions, they didn't even receive a single vote, yet players like Calvin Ridley who didn't even play last season did.
That is an indictment not only on Diontae Johnson but on the WR corps as a whole.
Even I can admit that a mere mention of George Pickens would have been rich based on his rookie year alone, no matter how high I am on his potential. The broader issue is that just a few seasons ago, we were talking about the capacity for Pittsburgh to have one of the best duo's in the league with Chase Claypool and Diontae Johnson out wide.
But Claypool isn't even on the team anymore, and after a season that saw zero TD receptions for Johnson, it's safe to say his stock has dipped a tad.
Now, that's not entirely fair to Johnson, seeing as a WR can only go as far as his QB takes him, and that position was in flux for the majority of 2022.
But 2023 will be different. Pittsburgh has their QB and their offensive identity. I think that bodes well for the Steelers, (more specifically their wide receivers) and I wouldn't be surprised if come this time next year…
Both Johson and Pickens are on the list.
Madden NFL 24 just slighted Steelers All-Pro defender
Certainly a controversial decision
Featured image via: © Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
