Just How Good Is The Steelers' Four Receiver Package?

[GBMelBlount]

Even though the Pittsburgh Steelers have arguably the best wide receiver in the league in Antonio Brown, NFL Media analyst Charley Casserly recently listed the Washington Redskins as currently owning the best four-receiver group in the NFL.

While Casserly did factor in tight ends into his rankings, he still has the Redskins quartet of DeSean Jackson, Jordan Reed, Pierre Garçon and rookie Josh Doctson ranked No. 1 overall in the league and two spots ahead of the Steelers grouping.

It’s also worth noting that Casserly has Steelers suspended wide receiver Martavis Bryant as being one of their top four pass catchers along with Brown, Markus Wheaton and tight end Ladarius Green, who the Steelers signed early on in free agency this offseason. Casserly, a former NFL general manager, spoke glowingly of Green, who spent his first four years in the league with the San Diego Chargers.

“I like this guy as a receiver option at tight end,” said Casserly of Green.

While Casserly did account for tight ends when ranking each team’s top receiving units, he probably should have also included running backs as well and especially Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell. Bell, who figures to be ready for the start of the 2016 regular season as he looks to return from a serious knee injury that he suffered midway through the 2015 season, has already recorded 152 total receptions for 1,389 yards in the 35 games that he has played in since being drafted in the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft out of Michigan State. Let’s not forget that Bell’s 83 receptions in 2014 had him in the top 20 that year.

(Continued)

http://www.steelersdepot.com/2016/05...r-package-nfl/

[Mojouw]

Totally unknown.

If Bryant was not suspended, it would be top 3 for sure. But with Green, Coates, and Wheaton all still a bit of unknowns - it could be the best in the league or it could be AB and 5 guys with DHB level hands.

[Psycho Ward 86]

3 receivers (Antonio Brown, Markus Wheaton, Sammie Coates), 1 tight end (Ladarius Green), 1 running back (Leveon Bell) seems like whats going to be our go to offensive package regardless of field position

[polamalubeast]

The potentiel is very high.

[GBMelBlount]

All things considered I think we may have the strongest receiving offense overall.

Brown possible #1 receiver in NFL
Bell possible # 1 running back receiver in NFL
Ben Possible # 1 passer in NFL

Add in a potentially explosive TE and as long as our offense is healthy I think this could be our most explosive offense ever.

Coates could be the X factor but he seems to have a lot of upside and it looks like he came to play.

[Steel Peon]

AB is as valuable of a WR as you can have, but what I wouldn't give to have Hines (or someone similar) on the field with him.

[Psycho Ward 86]

AB is as valuable of a WR as you can have, but what I wouldn't give to have Hines (or someone similar) on the field with him.

Didnt have a great safety valve like Bell during Hines Wards' time here so we have that going for us. The days of needing a "tough going over the middle" guy are also dying with the new rules in the past 8 years

[Dwinsgames]

Totally unknown.

If Bryant was not suspended, it would be top 3 for sure. But with Green, Coates, and Wheaton all still a bit of unknowns - it could be the best in the league or it could be AB and 5 guys with DHB level hands.

while the voice of reason and defined logic prevails in the above post we also can see the big "potential" word ...

when you have the games premier wide out ( AB ) the worst you are going to be is average as a collective grouping , the 200 yard game by Wheaton is/ was an anomaly but it shows potential , Coates flashed ability and tests well in non football drills that make one believe he can " potentially" be something special combined with his College tape .. Green I am all but convinced will be a fine addition and DHB has seemingly got better with age like a fine wine but in limited exposure and small sample sizes but still has the speed that must be respected ...

it is " potentially a dangerous and diverse group" but as stated until you prove it in this league its just idle chatter

[Mojouw]

while the voice of reason and defined logic prevails in the above post we also can see the big "potential" word ...

when you have the games premier wide out ( AB ) the worst you are going to be is average as a collective grouping , the 200 yard game by Wheaton is/ was an anomaly but it shows potential , Coates flashed ability and tests well in non football drills that make one believe he can " potentially" be something special combined with his College tape .. Green I am all but convinced will be a fine addition and DHB has seemingly got better with age like a fine wine but in limited exposure and small sample sizes but still has the speed that must be respected ...

it is " potentially a dangerous and diverse group" but as stated until you prove it in this league its just idle chatter

Well said. These guys have the physical ability and the potential to put up video game numbers. If Ben can continue to distribute the ball and not lock in to any one guy - look out!

Can't wait!

[Rotorhead]

I am hopeful Wheaton finally puts it all together and we see more of that 200yd game type of performances. I am also hoping between Coates and DHB, we will have MB's numbers covered, so add in Bell and Green we should have a possible record breaking offense this year. Of course, it all depends on health, if we can stay generally healthy (meaning no season ending injuries) the league better watch out!

[polamalubeast]

[hawaiiansteeler]

Steelers to debut three-headed Martavis Bryant replacement at OTAs

May 23, 2016
Jeremy Fowler
ESPN Staff Writer

Ben Roethlisberger and Antonio Brown are healthy, happy and ready to connect a gazillion times over the next eight months. This much we know. This lethal combination is one reason why the Pittsburgh Steelers' high-powered offense won't flinch over a few questions about its roster. Completion after completion, they are always there.

But while Brown and Roethlisberger reconvene this week and running back Le’Veon Bell progresses on his knee rehab, the plans for replacing suspended receiver Martavis Bryant will take shape over the next few months, starting Tuesday at organized team activities.

The Steelers will fill this need by committee. They won't replace Bryant's dynamic playmaking with one person. They will need Markus Wheaton, Ladarius Green and Sammie Coates to do it, plus more help.

Wheaton's next step: Wheaton has played the complementary role. He has played the slot receiver role. Now, in a contract year, he's got a legitimate chance to be a No. 2 receiver. Wheaton has good speed, and the Steelers will want him to utilize it more often when shaking defenders and making aggressive plays on the ball. Wheaton's sluggish start to 2015 while Bryant was suspended for four games can't happen again. Don't be surprised if Wheaton plays frequently on the outside this year. That's natural to him, but Bryant's presence forced Wheaton inside.

The new vertical threat: The Steelers' reconfigured tight end position could feature less singular all-around play, which was Heath Miller’s signature, and more specialized play. Fifth-round pick Jesse James can man the traditional inline tight end role, used for primary blocking and over-the-middle catches. Meanwhile, new tight end Green offers explosion. That's why he got a $4.75 million signing bonus to come to Pittsburgh. He's 6-foot-5 and fast. If you don't have Bryant's skill set any longer, try to find something close to it. In this case, the Steelers found that at tight end. Think vertical with Green. He can stretch the field. He says he has improved as a blocker -- and blocking is necessary in this offense -- but that's not why the Steelers signed him. Green injects more athleticism into the position. Let's see how the Steelers utilize Green and James in red zone packages. They might roll both out together because of their length.

A renewed Coates: After making minimal impact his rookie year, Coates intensified his training, lost some weight and earned the coaches' trust during the offseason. The next four months will be big for his development. Where Coates can separate himself is with big plays, which the offense needs without Bryant. He was a deep-ball specialist at Auburn, and though he wants to be a complete player, his biggest strength is winning downfield with his rugged running style and his size/strength combo. The Steelers will give him every opportunity to earn a solidified role. Year 2 should show a more polished receiver than last offseason, when at times Coates looked hesitant, maybe a little lost.

The deep ball to DHB: The team quickly signed Darrius Heyward-Bey to a three-year deal after learning of the Bryant suspension, which shows the trust Roethlisberger and Todd Haley have in him. He's not a game-breaker, but he's a solid option and there's still speed inside those legs. Heyward-Bey is a productive downfield blocker too. Early in the year, he'll likely get adequate reps as the team searches for a rotational rhythm. Haley isn't afraid to mix and match personnel groupings to strike the right balance. Heyward-Bey will be involved, but if he outplays Wheaton and Coates, that's not a good look.

Don't sleep on Eli Rogers: The Steelers were high on him before a preseason knee injury forced him to injured reserve. He's not a lock to make the team but might earn snaps from the slot with shifty play. He understands the nuances of the position and felt underutilized coming out of Louisville.

http://espn.go.com/blog/pittsburgh-s...cement-at-otas

[Psycho Ward 86]

Steelers to debut three-headed Martavis Bryant replacement at OTAs

May 23, 2016
Jeremy Fowler
ESPN Staff Writer

Ben Roethlisberger and Antonio Brown are healthy, happy and ready to connect a gazillion times over the next eight months. This much we know. This lethal combination is one reason why the Pittsburgh Steelers' high-powered offense won't flinch over a few questions about its roster. Completion after completion, they are always there.

But while Brown and Roethlisberger reconvene this week and running back Le’Veon Bell progresses on his knee rehab, the plans for replacing suspended receiver Martavis Bryant will take shape over the next few months, starting Tuesday at organized team activities.

The Steelers will fill this need by committee. They won't replace Bryant's dynamic playmaking with one person. They will need Markus Wheaton, Ladarius Green and Sammie Coates to do it, plus more help.

Wheaton's next step: Wheaton has played the complementary role. He has played the slot receiver role. Now, in a contract year, he's got a legitimate chance to be a No. 2 receiver. Wheaton has good speed, and the Steelers will want him to utilize it more often when shaking defenders and making aggressive plays on the ball. Wheaton's sluggish start to 2015 while Bryant was suspended for four games can't happen again. Don't be surprised if Wheaton plays frequently on the outside this year. That's natural to him, but Bryant's presence forced Wheaton inside.

The new vertical threat: The Steelers' reconfigured tight end position could feature less singular all-around play, which was Heath Miller’s signature, and more specialized play. Fifth-round pick Jesse James can man the traditional inline tight end role, used for primary blocking and over-the-middle catches. Meanwhile, new tight end Green offers explosion. That's why he got a $4.75 million signing bonus to come to Pittsburgh. He's 6-foot-5 and fast. If you don't have Bryant's skill set any longer, try to find something close to it. In this case, the Steelers found that at tight end. Think vertical with Green. He can stretch the field. He says he has improved as a blocker -- and blocking is necessary in this offense -- but that's not why the Steelers signed him. Green injects more athleticism into the position. Let's see how the Steelers utilize Green and James in red zone packages. They might roll both out together because of their length.

A renewed Coates: After making minimal impact his rookie year, Coates intensified his training, lost some weight and earned the coaches' trust during the offseason. The next four months will be big for his development. Where Coates can separate himself is with big plays, which the offense needs without Bryant. He was a deep-ball specialist at Auburn, and though he wants to be a complete player, his biggest strength is winning downfield with his rugged running style and his size/strength combo. The Steelers will give him every opportunity to earn a solidified role. Year 2 should show a more polished receiver than last offseason, when at times Coates looked hesitant, maybe a little lost.

The deep ball to DHB: The team quickly signed Darrius Heyward-Bey to a three-year deal after learning of the Bryant suspension, which shows the trust Roethlisberger and Todd Haley have in him. He's not a game-breaker, but he's a solid option and there's still speed inside those legs. Heyward-Bey is a productive downfield blocker too. Early in the year, he'll likely get adequate reps as the team searches for a rotational rhythm. Haley isn't afraid to mix and match personnel groupings to strike the right balance. Heyward-Bey will be involved, but if he outplays Wheaton and Coates, that's not a good look.

Don't sleep on Eli Rogers: The Steelers were high on him before a preseason knee injury forced him to injured reserve. He's not a lock to make the team but might earn snaps from the slot with shifty play. He understands the nuances of the position and felt underutilized coming out of Louisville.

http://espn.go.com/blog/pittsburgh-s...cement-at-otas

I think people are really sleeping on what an improved Jesse James could do for our offense.

[teegre]

Last season, Bell was out.

That's an additional 750 yards, 70 receptions, and 4 touchdowns that you can add to the fray.