“STEELERS SENSATION! The Unknown WR Who’s DOMINATING Training Camp – You Won’t Believe His Insane Plays to force Mike Tomlin into delimma
As of July 28, the Pittsburgh Steelers are taking a calculated risk with their wide receiver corps behind their standout player George Pickens, hoping that one or two of the other receivers will step up and make significant contributions. The team is looking to see who can rise to the occasion and fill the important roles that need to be filled.
One early standout in the Steelers’ training camp has been rookie Roman Wilson, according to a report by The Athletic’s Mark Kaboly. In an article published on July 28, the seasoned beat reporter observed that Wilson has been making plays “all over the field” during practice sessions. This early performance has certainly put him on the radar as a potential key player for the Steelers this season.
Kaboly elaborated on Wilson’s impressive showing, noting, “Rookie receiver Roman Wilson had easily his best day of training camp Saturday, [July 27], demonstrating that he’s not only dependable but also versatile.” Wilson caught the attention of the coaching staff and observers alike by making a variety of catches from quarterbacks Justin Fields and Kyle Allen, showcasing his ability to adapt to multiple route concepts.
One particular play that stood out was during a 3×1 set, with Wilson positioned in the slot to the right of Fields on a third-and-8 situation. Wilson managed to blow past rookie slot corner Beanie Bishop Jr. and made a twisting catch near the sideline for a significant 28-yard gain. “It was a perfect throw by Fields, but Wilson’s speed was undeniable. Later, he ran a crossing route from the slot and was able to turn it upfield for another 20 yards,” Kaboly recounted. These plays highlighted Wilson’s speed and agility, reinforcing his potential as a valuable asset in the Steelers’ receiving corps.
Kaboly suggested that Wilson currently has an edge in the WR2 competition, even though he primarily operates from the slot. His versatility and ability to perform under pressure make him a strong contender for a key role in the Steelers’ offense.
Another significant storyline for the Steelers’ wide receiver group involves Van Jefferson. The Steelers signed Jefferson, a former Los Angeles Rams draft pick, to a low-risk one-year deal with just $167,500 in guaranteed money this offseason. Despite the minimal financial commitment, there has been considerable external pressure on Jefferson to perform, especially following the departures of Diontae Johnson via trade and Allen Robinson in free agency.
NFL writers and analysts have been skeptical of Jefferson’s signing, labeling him a “bust” and predicting that he won’t meet the expectations with the Steelers. However, Jefferson has so far exceeded those low expectations. On July 25, he made headlines by connecting with Fields on a highlight-reel deep ball that quickly made the rounds on social media. The 6-foot-1 pass-catcher has been a consistent presence with the first-team offense, steadily building chemistry with Fields and demonstrating his potential to be a significant contributor this season.
In addition to Jefferson and Wilson, 2022 fourth-rounder Calvin Austin III has been competing for the WR3 role from the slot. According to Mike DeFabo of The Athletic, Austin has shown promise and is vying for a significant role in the Steelers’ offense.
Another noteworthy update from Kaboly focused on George Pickens and new Steelers WRs coach Zach Azzanni. According to Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Pickens and Azzanni had a “heated exchange” on the first day of camp, sparking concerns about their working relationship.
However, on July 27, Azzanni showed his support for Pickens after the receiver drew a penalty flag during practice. “Pickens didn’t make many plays Saturday, but one play got receivers coach Zach Azzanni so fired up that he sprinted to Pickens — who had a verbal altercation with Azzanni on Thursday — to praise him,” Kaboly reported. Pickens had beaten cornerback Joey Porter’s man coverage on a slant route, and although he couldn’t catch the ball, it was due to Porter being called for pass interference. This effort by Pickens pleased Azzanni immensely, and he made sure to show his appreciation.
It appears that Azzanni and Pickens are working through their initial disagreement, setting a positive tone for the remainder of the training camp. This kind of dynamic interaction and resolution can often strengthen the player-coach relationship, ultimately benefiting the team’s overall performance.
As the Steelers continue their training camp, the development and performances of their wide receivers will be closely watched. With players like Wilson, Jefferson, and Austin vying for key roles, and the established talent of Pickens leading the way, the Steelers’ receiving corps has the potential to be a dynamic and exciting unit this season.
