Steelers WR Calvin Austin III heads toward training camp leading the competition for roles behind DK Metcalf. "I think that '2' spot is all Calvin's right now," WRs coach Zach Azzanni said in June. That quote came from ESPN's Brooke Pryor writing Austin up as Pittsburgh's biggest surprise player in early workouts. But don't ignore "right now" in the coach's message.
Brian Batko of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: "I think when you just look at the receiver room on paper, it feels like it's missing something for the second season in a row. How many slot receivers do the Steelers need and how many types do they need? They have a tiny one in Calvin Austin. They have a medium-sized one in Roman Wilson. Now they have a big one in Jonnu Smith. Who else is gonna run in a straight line fast down the field and catch a go ball?"
Austin's probably legitimately the best bet to work second among WRs at this point. He has just 53 catches through two NFL seasons. But his four year's at Memphis included 16.3 yards per catch career and these receiving lines his final two campaigns:
Austin easily led both teams in catches, yards, and TDs. But he also stands just 5'9 and 162 pounds. That's at least part of why he played just 52.5% of the offensive snaps over 17 games last season.
Pittsburgh ranked just 29th in pass attempts as well, making it difficult for volume to support multiple pass-catching fantasy assets.
Despite OC Arthur Smith's run-heavy history, that volume's bound to rise at least a bit after QB Aaron Rodgers arrived. But that arrival might pose another concern for Austin.
The Steelers didn't sign Rodgers for the future. That's a win-now move. And they similarly traded for Metcalf -- a proven, 27-year-old wideout -- to immediatly upgrade the WR group.
It wouldn't be at all surprising for a team in that mode to try to find another veteran WR to add.
Indeed, Pittsburgh has hosted free-agent WR Gabe Davis and have been linked to other potential targets.
Bottom line: The current version of the WR corps might remain intact for Week 1. But don't assume this group is set right now.
Austin's being drafted as the second Pittsburgh WR by best ball ADP, but that merely finds him at WR80 in Underdog Fantasy drafts.
That's a fine level at which to take some shots on Austin, especially if you already have Rodgers rostered.
Stacking Davis late right now isn't a terrible idea either. But make sure you don't get over-exposed to the Pittsburgh passing game.
Rodgers' age plus Arthur Smith's rushing insistence does figure to limit the production.
There seem to be pockets of optimism for 2024 third-round pick Roman Wilson, but it doesn't seem great for his outlook that he's not the offseason highlight.
Wilson, who progressed slowly through his Michigan career, will need to prove he's worth any 2025 fantasy attention.
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