I hate to say it, but I think the Steelers overcompensated with the drafting of James Washington. They wanted to ensure the deep ball stayed a part of the offense and being Rudolph's security blanket didn't hurt.
But Washington looks, well, lost? Not ready? Something less than positive. Meanwhile, this kid was drafted in the 5th round and looks every inch a legitimate deep threat and playmaker -- https://www.pro-football-reference.c...V/ValdMa00.htm
The sad part is, that the "deep threat" is really the ONLY missing element on offense right now.
I am not saying that Washington won't develop into a good or even really good WR, but I just don't think he is what they thought he was.
Maybe, I'm just in crappy mood today -- but either you can run a "go" route and get open in the NFL or you can't. I mean even Sammi Coates could run the route - He just couldn't catch. We don't even know if Washington can catch because it looks like he can't separate.
Perhaps I'm over-reacting and all the kid needs is a chance...but I dunno.