- Joined
- Apr 20, 2014
- Messages
- 24,914
- Reaction score
- 11,537
- Points
- 113
Where Steelers' depth chart stands with Martavis Bryant back
Following the reinstatement of Martavis Bryant, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reports Sammie Coates is "on notice" and competing for a job with Justin Hunter.
So now the Pittsburgh Steelers' offense starts to come into focus. Less than two days before the NFL draft, Pittsburgh has Martavis Bryant back on a "conditional" basis and can add a playmaker with one of its eight picks, too.
X receiver: Antonio Brown, Darrius Heyward-Bey, Cobi Hamilton.
The Steelers don't really have a backup for Brown, who's on the field every snap. But veteran Heyward-Bey can play every spot for Pittsburgh. Hamilton can also play a backup role -- he's not explosive but is dependable. Heyward-Bey is due $1.2 million, which isn't exorbitant for a core special teamer who makes the occasional big play.
F receiver (slot): Eli Rogers, Demarcus Ayers.
Rogers is entrenched as the starting slot receiver after finishing third on the team in catches (48) and yards (594). Maturity is a question after he missed a game for a disciplinary reason, but his instincts and pass-catching ability over the middle are obvious. Ayers can play on the outside. His quickness at 5-foot-9 makes him a fit at this spot. Ayers must battle for a roster spot but has reason to like his chances. He plays with an attitude the Steelers value.
Z receiver: Martavis Bryant, Justin Hunter, Sammie Coates.
Bryant won't be given the starting job entering training camp. But come Week 1, if he has earned trust, he'll be too good to keep off the field. Let's see if the Steelers double down and draft more receiver help.
That leaves the Coates-Hunter battle. And, yes, it's a battle. Coates is on notice after a shaky sophomore year. Despite playing through injuries, Coates must prove he can mentally fight through issues and produce on the field. Hunter, a former second-round pick because of his 6-4 frame matched with 4.4 40 speed, has underachieved as a pro. He also hasn't played with an established quarterback. He has one now.
http://www.espn.com/blog/pittsburgh...-depth-chart-stands-with-martavis-bryant-back
Following the reinstatement of Martavis Bryant, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reports Sammie Coates is "on notice" and competing for a job with Justin Hunter.
So now the Pittsburgh Steelers' offense starts to come into focus. Less than two days before the NFL draft, Pittsburgh has Martavis Bryant back on a "conditional" basis and can add a playmaker with one of its eight picks, too.
X receiver: Antonio Brown, Darrius Heyward-Bey, Cobi Hamilton.
The Steelers don't really have a backup for Brown, who's on the field every snap. But veteran Heyward-Bey can play every spot for Pittsburgh. Hamilton can also play a backup role -- he's not explosive but is dependable. Heyward-Bey is due $1.2 million, which isn't exorbitant for a core special teamer who makes the occasional big play.
F receiver (slot): Eli Rogers, Demarcus Ayers.
Rogers is entrenched as the starting slot receiver after finishing third on the team in catches (48) and yards (594). Maturity is a question after he missed a game for a disciplinary reason, but his instincts and pass-catching ability over the middle are obvious. Ayers can play on the outside. His quickness at 5-foot-9 makes him a fit at this spot. Ayers must battle for a roster spot but has reason to like his chances. He plays with an attitude the Steelers value.
Z receiver: Martavis Bryant, Justin Hunter, Sammie Coates.
Bryant won't be given the starting job entering training camp. But come Week 1, if he has earned trust, he'll be too good to keep off the field. Let's see if the Steelers double down and draft more receiver help.
That leaves the Coates-Hunter battle. And, yes, it's a battle. Coates is on notice after a shaky sophomore year. Despite playing through injuries, Coates must prove he can mentally fight through issues and produce on the field. Hunter, a former second-round pick because of his 6-4 frame matched with 4.4 40 speed, has underachieved as a pro. He also hasn't played with an established quarterback. He has one now.
http://www.espn.com/blog/pittsburgh...-depth-chart-stands-with-martavis-bryant-back
