Coates impresses ... Wheaton better step up

[fogdoctor]

The only negative I've heard discussed on Wheaton in the media is his yards after catch average, which is terribly low.

It is not that bad for a #2 WR that is over 12ypc overall. If it gets much better we will not be able to afford him. So yes, I would like it to get better so we can be better as a team; however, if it gets to 5-6yac then we will not be able to afford his second contract. I like Wheaton and I think he can blossom in this offense into a #1 in about 2 years so I would prefer he dramatically improved AFTER we inked him to a new deal.

 

[SteelBuckeye]

Wheaton is a good kickoff return man. He can play the outside or slot as a WR, and sometimes makes plays that Sanders did not. Coates is not a kickoff man, nor a slot guy. He's not taking away Wheaton's snaps.

If we had a stud Left Tackle, we could have the best passing offense of all time

You gave a very good reason for Coates not to take snaps from Wheaton as a kickoff return man. But, since we have not seen them try Coates at the slot, it is hard to say whether he is or is not a slot receiver. Personally I believe that it's possible they look at him being of a similar build and size to a young Anquan Boldin and envision him as a guy who can play either outside or in the slot; where he creates size and strength mismatches.

What is your basis for believing that Coates can't play the slot? Because he didn't play it in college? Guys often are asked to do more in the pros than they were in college. It's not like he's being asked to play a totally different position like the guys that switch from DE to OLB. The job requirement is different, but the tools he will need to develop and bring to the table are similar.

 

[Coach]

The only WR who has a secure position is Brown. Wheaton has been mediocre. Bryant has shown he can be a deep threat but what else? Assuming the best, you want Brown and Bryant on the outside and Wheaton in the slot. For his speed, Wheaton does not seem to be a deep threat.

This is why Coates can take playing time from either of them. If Bryant and Wheaton are still inconsistent then Coates may earn playing time simply by being a better blocker than either of them.

I think Wheaton can be a deep threat. He has been open deep. It seems like the timing between him and Ben is a bit off, but then again Wheaton is not 6'4" tall like Bryant is.

 

[SteelerAl]

I think Coates will come along quite slowly. He has all the physical tools you'd want, but he's raw as heck coming out of the Auburn system. Remember that Bryant only caught 26 passes last season and he had less talent in front of him on the depth chart than Coates does.

 

[Wingman]

The Steelers are going to keep 6 wide outs. The cap will go up next year and lots of dead money will be gone. There is no reason to think the steelers would not keep Wheaton, Bryant, Coates, and Brown if they can all play. Couple this with the possibility of an injury and 4 good wides are not a luxury but a necessity.

 

[tapeANaspirin2it]

The Steelers are going to keep 6 wide outs. The cap will go up next year and lots of dead money will be gone. There is no reason to think the steelers would not keep Wheaton, Bryant, Coates, and Brown if they can all play. Couple this with the possibility of an injury and 4 good wides are not a luxury but a necessity.

Those 4 are locks for the roster. DHB is almost a lock for the #5. The candidates for #6 are CJ Goodwin, Eli Rogers, Devin Gardner, and Shakim Phillips. All are likely practice squad guys unless one of them steps up on special teams.

DHB will likely make the team by default. He has played hard for the steelers and earned a spot but he's still a limited WR. The Steelers could use a veteran and i would not be shocked if they sign one

Vets who are unsigned
Reggie Wayne
Wes Welker
Robert Meachem
Brandon Lloyd

If healthy, i could see Wayne or Welker having a James Harrison like impact, meaning they can make an impact if played sparingly and in the right spots. Each would also be a good influence with the young WRs just as Harrison is for the LBs.

Signing one of them may depend on special teams more than anything. Wayne or Welker won't play special teams which likely means that the only way the steelers could fit a non special teams playing #5 WR on the roster is if some of the rookies like Dupree, Golson, Grant, or Chickillo can make plays on ST.

 

[madinsomniac]

Those 4 are locks for the roster. DHB is almost a lock for the #5. The candidates for #6 are CJ Goodwin, Eli Rogers, Devin Gardner, and Shakim Phillips. All are likely practice squad guys unless one of them steps up on special teams.

DHB will likely make the team by default. He has played hard for the steelers and earned a spot but he's still a limited WR. The Steelers could use a veteran and i would not be shocked if they sign one

Vets who are unsigned
Reggie Wayne
Wes Welker
Robert Meachem
Brandon Lloyd

If healthy, i could see Wayne or Welker having a James Harrison like impact, meaning they can make an impact if played sparingly and in the right spots. Each would also be a good influence with the young WRs just as Harrison is for the LBs.

Signing one of them may depend on special teams more than anything. Wayne or Welker won't play special teams which likely means that the only way the steelers could fit a non special teams playing #5 WR on the roster is if some of the rookies like Dupree, Golson, Grant, or Chickillo can make plays on ST.

That fifth WR spot is often used for a special teamer like DHB... I think his gunning puts him as a lock, but if we had a guy go down they would try to bring in someone. Coates and Bryant have the skillset of a true #1. Brown currently trumps both of them, but more so out of work ethic and drive. If either of those two put in the work he does their upside can be very high. Wheaton is like sanders was, a really good #2 that is buried on the depth chart by no fault of his own. he will likelysettle into the slot receiver role at some point.

 

[slashsteel]

Those 4 are locks for the roster. DHB is almost a lock for the #5. The candidates for #6 are CJ Goodwin, Eli Rogers, Devin Gardner, and Shakim Phillips. All are likely practice squad guys unless one of them steps up on special teams.

DHB will likely make the team by default. He has played hard for the steelers and earned a spot but he's still a limited WR. The Steelers could use a veteran and i would not be shocked if they sign one

Vets who are unsigned
Reggie Wayne
Wes Welker
Robert Meachem
Brandon Lloyd

If healthy, i could see Wayne or Welker having a James Harrison like impact, meaning they can make an impact if played sparingly and in the right spots. Each would also be a good influence with the young WRs just as Harrison is for the LBs.

Signing one of them may depend on special teams more than anything. Wayne or Welker won't play special teams which likely means that the only way the steelers could fit a non special teams playing #5 WR on the roster is if some of the rookies like Dupree, Golson, Grant, or Chickillo can make plays on ST.

I would love to see Wayne in Black n Gold. With contract extensions on the horizon and their eye on the safety position. Not sure how much interest there will be at bringing in a WR especially with these two QB conversion projects in the fold.

 

[Wingman]

Those 4 are locks for the roster. DHB is almost a lock for the #5. The candidates for #6 are CJ Goodwin, Eli Rogers, Devin Gardner, and Shakim Phillips. All are likely practice squad guys unless one of them steps up on special teams.

DHB will likely make the team by default. He has played hard for the steelers and earned a spot but he's still a limited WR. The Steelers could use a veteran and i would not be shocked if they sign one

Vets who are unsigned
Reggie Wayne
Wes Welker
Robert Meachem
Brandon Lloyd

If healthy, i could see Wayne or Welker having a James Harrison like impact, meaning they can make an impact if played sparingly and in the right spots. Each would also be a good influence with the young WRs just as Harrison is for the LBs.

Signing one of them may depend on special teams more than anything. Wayne or Welker won't play special teams which likely means that the only way the steelers could fit a non special teams playing #5 WR on the roster is if some of the rookies like Dupree, Golson, Grant, or Chickillo can make plays on ST.

Brown is the guy for vet leadership at this point. I suspect the reason your list of guys are unsigned at this point is they are not worth a roster spot even when compared to guys that will not be on a roster this season. Archer is listed as a wide out or has been. They are right now young at wide out with the exception of DHB. The sixth wide out spot could be between archer, an extra tight end, or one of the qb prospects turned wide out. By going with the extra tight end they still have a pass catcher but with a different skill set than their wides. If they keep a qb they may be able to replace landry jones with an emergency QB and wide out.

There are lots of options when 4 young guys that look good are available. Adding an aging vet at this point at the expense of young talent does not seem like a smart roster move to me at this time.

 

[SteelerAl]

I would love to see Wayne in Black n Gold. With contract extensions on the horizon and their eye on the safety position. Not sure how much interest there will be at bringing in a WR especially with these two QB conversion projects in the fold.

Wayne is washed up. No thanks.

 

[Litos]

I don't want any old WR taking snaps from the 3 young guys on the team, that would slow down their development. Keep DHB or bring another ST specialist

 

[Litos]

on that depth chart, I wouldn't call Bryant and Wheaton average. They had more than a thousand combined yards and 10 TDs in less than 80 receptions.
Those combined numbers are worthy of a #1 WR on the league, better than Calvin Johnson's #s last season in practically the same amount of receptions.
I know it's apple to oranges can't compare two against one but the truth is that they are above average, especially for guys in their rookie contract

 

[FordFairLane]

I personally think this is a huge year for Wheaton. If he takes a big step up and shows he can be a #2 I think after the season the Steelers try to lock him up. If he loses to Bryant but shows he is a very good #3 I think the Steelers gauge what he wants contractual wise and if the price is right lock him up. If he gets beat out by Bryant and starts losing playing time to Coates as the season progresses I think he will be delegated to kick return and maybe tried out at punt return duty and not resigned after his contract is up. So it will be interesting to see!

 

[21STEELERS21]

Wheaton seems to hold is own in 2nd year stats:

Rec YPC TD's

Ward 61 10.5 7
Wheaton 58 12.2 2
Swann 49 15.9 11
Saunders 22 13.1 2
Stallworth 20 21.2 4

 

[tapeANaspirin2it]

Wheaton seems to hold is own in 2nd year stats:

Rec YPC TD's

Ward 61 10.5 7
Wheaton 58 12.2 2
Swann 49 15.9 11
Saunders 22 13.1 2
Stallworth 20 21.2 4

Not really a fair comparison with the Steelers throwing so much more now than when ward, swann, and stallworth were in their second seasons. Wheaton has been OK but hasn't shown yet that he can be more than a depth guy.

It may sound crazy but because he is mediocre, Wheaton may be the safest bet to still be a steeler a few years from now.

For arguments sake let's say that both Bryant and Coates emerge as #1 WR talents. That likely means you let Antonio walk. He will likely be the highest paid NFL WR at his next contract. Can you keep him if Bryant and Coates are cheaper?.

We may see the Wallace Brown situation again. You offer a long deal to Brown and Bryant and you let Brown leave if he won't take it. If Bryant gets a big deal then maybe you don't have enough to keep Coates the next year. Wheaton would likely be the easy signing as a depth guy and able to stick around for years.

 

[21STEELERS21]

In Hines second season we threw 535 times and last year 612. Not that big a difference.
There weren't Brown, Bell and Miller type players competing for balls in 1999 as well.

Less games and less throwing back in 1975, but Stallworth's 20 catches is pretty low.

Receivers are like wine they improve with wine. Wheaton will have a better career than Saunders.

 

[SteelBuckeye]

In Hines second season we threw 535 times and last year 612. Not that big a difference.
There weren't Brown, Bell and Miller type players competing for balls in 1999 as well.

Less games and less throwing back in 1975, but Stallworth's 20 catches is pretty low.

Receivers are like wine they improve with wine. Wheaton will have a better career than Saunders.

Had a lil bit yourself today? Who is Saunders?

Maybe it's just me, but when I think about Wheaton, my mind says J.A.G. Don't get me wrong, every team has and needs those players who are J.A.G. Players who usually take a back seat in terms of talent and production, but who, on occasion will give you a great game.

 

[slashsteel]

In Hines second season we threw 535 times and last year 612. Not that big a difference.
There weren't Brown, Bell and Miller type players competing for balls in 1999 as well.

Less games and less throwing back in 1975, but Stallworth's 20 catches is pretty low.

Receivers are like wine they improve with wine. Wheaton will have a better career than Saunders.

hahahahaha what the hell

 

[Wingman]

Had a lil bit yourself today? Who is Saunders?

Maybe it's just me, but when I think about Wheaton, my mind says J.A.G. Don't get me wrong, every team has and needs those players who are J.A.G. Players who usually take a back seat in terms of talent and production, but who, on occasion will give you a great game.

That would be worth keeping as a fourth wide out because it would also fit in the teams budget. In addition just a guy could be playing better than he otherwise would with good players already on the field and a good qb. Sounds like good reasons to keep Wheaton around.

 

[Polamallelujah]

I like Wheaton. I think this will be his breakout year...

 

[SteelBuckeye]

That would be worth keeping as a fourth wide out because it would also fit in the teams budget. In addition just a guy could be playing better than he otherwise would with good players already on the field and a good qb. Sounds like good reasons to keep Wheaton around.

Oh, I never said to get rid of him. I believe someone else brought that up. My thought was simply that if Coates develops quickly, he might start to eat some of Wheaton's snaps IF Wheaton doesn't step up. It's just as possible that he takes snaps from Bryant too if Bryant doesn't continue to develop (as someone mentioned earlier). It COULD be a good problem to have.

The thing about Wheaton for me is that even though he doesn't stand out as "spectacular", he also doesn't leave me feeling apathetic like Sanders did. I could/can see Wheaton developing into a nice steady WR.

 

[Wingman]

Oh, I never said to get rid of him. I believe someone else brought that up. My thought was simply that if Coates develops quickly, he might start to eat some of Wheaton's snaps IF Wheaton doesn't step up. It's just as possible that he takes snaps from Bryant too if Bryant doesn't continue to develop (as someone mentioned earlier). It COULD be a good problem to have.

The thing about Wheaton for me is that even though he doesn't stand out as "spectacular", he also doesn't leave me feeling apathetic like Sanders did. I could/can see Wheaton developing into a nice steady WR.

I'm not sure if this is possible but it sounds like you and I are in agreement again and have been for a while on this topic, how the hell can that be?

 

[21STEELERS21]

Other teams will want him, if we don't. What does he have, 1 year left.

 

[Wingman]

Other teams will want him, if we don't. What does he have, 1 year left.

I would like to see him stay here. I think he can be kept at a reasonable cost and will know the system well. Having 4 wide outs that are at the least good will be a huge plus for this team and make all of them better. It will be a huge plus if one of them or even two of them get injured. Granted Brown is nearly a player that can not be replaced at all but Bryant is doing well and may improve a bunch as well as Wheaton and Coates does not look like a slouch either.

 

[6Rings]

Looks like we will start losing WRs soon to FA.