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View Full Version : As the NFL passing game evolves, route running -- not elite speed -- is becoming more important for the Steelers



polamalubeast
04-27-2019, 01:59 PM
For years, the Steelers valued fast receivers that could stretch the field. They drafted one just about every year for a while. From Mike Wallace to Martavis Bryant to Sammie Coates – all 4.43 or faster at the NFL combine – the Steelers wanted a deep threat that could provide big-play production.

Coach Mike Tomlin referred to them as “one-trick ponies” at various times throughout their careers, but they served a purpose. They were home run threats for Ben Roethlisberger and attracted coverage due to their speed.

The days of the Steelers drafting one-trick ponies appear to be over. For the past three years general manager Kevin Colbert and his coaches have preferred receivers that might lack top speed but are well-rounded in their approach.

In 2017, the Steelers took JuJu Smith-Schuster and last year they took James Washington. They both run 4.54 at the combine. Then late Friday night, they surprised just about everyone and chose Diontae Johnson of Toledo, who ran a 4.53 at the combine last month.


read more

https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2019/04/27/New-Steelers-receiver-Diontae-Johnson-has-a-chance-to-be-the-total-package/stories/201904270046

Mojouw
04-27-2019, 02:05 PM
All excellent points.