The Pittsburgh Steelers revamped their receiver corps this offseason, parting ways with two of their top three wide receivers. The Steelers traded Diontay Johnson to the Carolina Panthers and waived Allen Robinson II. They addressed the position in free agency and the draft, signing Quez Watkins, Scott Miller and Van Jefferson and drafting Roman Wilson.
The Steelers are hoping the former fourth-round pick will have a breakout role.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are hoping their fourth-round pick has a big third year.
Calvin Austin III is entering his third year in the NFL, but has barely played in his first two seasons due to injuries and hasn’t even been in the starting rotation.
Austin suffered a Lisfranc injury during training camp during his rookie season and the Steelers placed him on injured reserve, where he relapsed in October, underwent surgery and missed the entire season.
Austin didn’t play much offensively in his sophomore season, sitting behind Robinson, but he did win the punt return job. In 2023, he played in 17 games, one start, and recorded 17 receptions for 180 yards and one touchdown and 29 punt returns for 249 yards. In the Wild Card game, he recorded one reception for seven yards, one touchdown and one punt return for 12 yards.
The Steelers are counting on him to perform well, and so far he’s impressed the team’s new position coach.
Calvin Austin III impressed his position coach
“He’s incredible. Here’s a guy who’s come so far in just eight weeks,” Azzanni said, holding his left hand up much higher than his right to demonstrate how much Austin has grown. “It’s been really fun to watch. He’s a hard worker, he’s enthusiastic, he has a sense of urgency and he wants to be coached. You can see that in the way he plays.”
Austin will be competing for a starting spot.
Calvin Austin III will compete for a starting spot with a third-round pick on the line.
Austin will likely compete with Roman Wilson for the starting spot.
The 84th overall pick, Wilson played four seasons of college football with the University of Michigan Wolverines, recording 107 receptions for 1,707 yards and 20 touchdowns. His best season came in 2023, when he recorded 48 receptions for 789 yards and 12 touchdowns and was named to the All-Big Ten Second Team.
Wilson is comfortable playing in the slot and on the outside, and while many believe he will end up being the Steelers’ WR2, it may take time for him to develop.
Who will win the starting spot, and will Calvin Austin III have a breakout year in year three?
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