The Pittsburgh Steelers are hoping to see considerable jumps from more than a few players in 2023.

Year two prospects, breakout candidates, and newcomers will battle for attention but more importantly, roster spots starting in just a few days' time. 

And while one of those players has yet to even play for Pittsburgh, he's already being talked about in high regard:

Calvin Austin III Is Percy Harvin 2.0?

Well, according to his former collegiate player caller and University of Memphis head coach Ryan Silverfield, that's exactly who Austin can be. 



And Silverfield should know, considering he was an assistant coach in Minnesota during Harvin's time with the Vikings:

“I can see some (former NFL WR) Percy Harvin in him,” Silverfield told Pro Football Network on behalf of Austin's playstyle. “I know (offensive coordinator) Matt Canada’s offense, and he will probably move him around.”

Harvin was a former first-round pick, a Pro Bowler, and a Super Bowl champion with the Seattle Seahawks. A dynamic player with the ball in his hands, Harvin could never round out the receiving portion of his game, but his resume is one I'm sure that Austin would gladly like to replicate. 

And while Harvin was the sturdier of the two, Austin is the more sudden, with better numbers in terms of straight-line speed as well.



There's also a nuance to Austin's route running that never was truly prevalent with Harvin, making him a smaller, but potentially even deadlier weapon. 

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But before Austin can garner any comparisons, he first has to prove he can stay on the field. A de-facto rookie by way of a season-ending injury during his inaugural season, Austin will be battling for his spot on the field, much less Pro Bowls. 



But that doesn't mean he can't be the next Percy Harvin if not better, it just starts with staying on the grass. 

Steelers training camp battle: Slot Receiver

See which choice has the upper-hand in this important battle

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