Rookie wideout Wheaton waiting for turn to play

[stillers4me]

Much had been expected of Steelers rookie wide receiver Markus Wheaton, especially after safety Ryan Clark said in training camp that he was better than Mike Wallace in every way except speed. That might have been an unfair comparison for someone who had yet to play an NFL game, but Clark’s point was Wheaton, the team’s third-round draft choice out of Oregon State, had the ability to help the offense in a big way this season.

Wheaton’s rookie season hasn’t gone as planned.

A fractured finger forced him to miss four games in the middle of the season and the receivers in front of him on the depth chart are playing well, so there hasn’t been a reason to play him more. That has left Wheaton with some paltry statistics through 13 games: six receptions for 64 yards and no touchdowns.......


Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2013/12/12/Rookie-wideout-Wheaton-waiting-for-turn-to-play/stories/201312120185#ixzz2nLyMRA89

[salamander]

Let the kid play. What do they have to lose at this point? Not like they're making the playoffs.

[GBMelBlount]

Absolutely.

We have some decisions to make at wide receiver next year both contractually and in the draft.

It would be nice if he could show enough to lessen wide receiver as a priority in the draft or keep someone on the bubble.

[steelreserve]

SWEEEEEEEED!!

[Seven]

He'll play plenty next year.

- - - Updated - - -

I think Wheaton will be okay. But the one name that scares me when I think about him: Willie Reid.

[Psycho Ward 86]

He'll play plenty next year.

- - - Updated - - -

I think Wheaton will be okay. But the one name that scares me when I think about him: Willie Reid.

because of draft position or do they have similarities in style?

[Seven]

because of draft position or do they have similarities in style?

Markus Wheaton: #11. 5-11, 185 lbs. Third round selection, pick 79. 4.34 40 yard dash. Stats as a Steeler: 6 receptions, 64 yards (13 weeks).

Willie Reid: #15. 5-10, 185 lbs. Third round selection, pick 95. 4.34 40 yard dash. Stats as a Steeler: 4 receptions, 54 yards (two seasons).

Obviously besides the 40 time the rest of the comparisons are basically superficial. None of this really means anything, I'm just sort of afraid Wheaton will turn into Reid based on the lack of production we've seen from him.

But I think he'll ultimately be okay... I hope.

[ALLD]

Lynn Swann did nothing his first season except return kicks. He turned out alright.

[GBMelBlount]

Markus Wheaton: #11. 5-11, 185 lbs. Third round selection, pick 79. 4.34 40 yard dash. Stats as a Steeler: 6 receptions, 64 yards (13 weeks).

Willie Reid: #15. 5-10, 185 lbs. Third round selection, pick 95. 4.34 40 yard dash. Stats as a Steeler: 4 receptions, 54 yards (two seasons).

Obviously besides the 40 time the rest of the comparisons are basically superficial. None of this really means anything, I'm just sort of afraid Wheaton will turn into Reid based on the lack of production we've seen from him.

But I think he'll ultimately be okay... I hope.

It has been mentioned how well polished a route runner he is fresh from college.

Regardless, I am assuming the lack of production is from lack of snaps and targets.