The Steelers have built a reputation for developing and grooming wide receivers to be productive players. Names such as Antonio Brown, Santonio Holmes, Mike Wallace, and JuJu Smith-Schuster have all flourished under head coach Mike Tomlin over the last decade-plus.

Pittsburgh currently has a talented group of wide receivers to carry-on that tradition. Diontae Johnson and Chase Claypool spearhead the unit. In the 2022 NFL draft, the Steelers added George Pickens out of Georgia in the second round and then double-dipped in the fourth round by taking Calvin Austin III out of Memphis.

After an embarrassing 42-21 loss to the Chiefs in the playoffs, the Steelers are looking to make the postseason for the third consecutive year. According to Pro Football Focus, if the Steelers do so, it'll likely be because of their biggest strength, the wide receiver position.

Per Sam Monson of PFF:

"Few teams have shown the kind of consistent success in drafting receivers as the Pittsburgh Steelers. So it makes sense that reports suggest they don't want to pay Diontae Johnson over $20 million a year — they have a consistent track record of replacing receivers and developing young players without huge investment. The additions of George Pickens and Calvin Austin III in the draft may allow them to let Johnson walk in a year’s time without concern, and in the meantime they all get to play in the same offense, along with Chase Claypool and also Pat Freiermuth at tight end."

All Johnson has done over his first three seasons is consistently get better. His targets, receptions, yards, and touchdowns have increased each year which shows not only his elevation but the trust he's gained with the coaching staff.

Claypool has been steady over his two years with the Steelers. He's averaged around 60 receptions and 865 yards each season while gaining over 14 yards per catch. Claypool's 6-foot-4 frame and 4.42 speed make him a difficult cover.

Pickens has great height at 6'3 and runs a 4.47 in the 40-yard dash. He has a huge catch radius and has shown a knack for making contested catches. Austin is only 5'8 but has blazing speed (ran a 4.32) and an incredible 39-inch vertical jump. His quick feet will make him a nightmare to cover in the slot.

Whoever wins the quarterback battle for the Steelers between veterans Mitch Trubisky and Mason Rudolph as well as rookie Kenny Pickett will have quite the array of talented weapons to sling the pigskin to.

Feature image via Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports