Steelers Rookie Class Could Take Significant Snaps from Vets

[Steeler Nation]

By Jared Villani SteelerNation.com The Pittsburgh Steelers‘ 2019 rookie class is full of potential and playmaking ability, so it won’t be surprising to see the Steelers newcomers make an instant impact. Linebacker Devin Bush, wide receiver Diontae Johnson and cornerback Justin Layne may be out on the field a lot more than expected once the […]

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[SteelerSask2]

Good article. My impression with Layne is they will groom him slowly this year to be a starting corner taking Hayden's place unless Nelson busts as a FA (I believe they have easy outs on that contract). Layne is that long, big bodied guy that can run. Typically that doesn't do so well in the slot against twitchy, change of direction players. I don't anticipate Layne seeing much playing time this year. But the rest , I agree won't get a red shirt year. When it comes to Devin Bush, considering they have Mark Barron, I would put him on a pitch count. Almost every rookie that is pressed into heavy early action reports the rookie wall of going from 12 games and a bowl to 16 and possibly playoffs.

 

[Drink IRON City]

I see a lot of youngUNs getting snaps as well, weather in a rotational effect or outright starting. I'm excited about training camp and some of those battles. I'm curious as to Gentry (TE) as to how far he will go thus determining if a last minute FA is needed. The obvious rookies, JUST ALL of it. Again I haven't been this excited in several years and YES that happens to corispond with the meMEme cancer no longer here, creating a more TEAM 1st atmosphere. LOVE IT





Salute the nation

 

[SteelerSask2]

I see a lot of youngUNs getting snaps as well, weather in a rotational effect or outright starting. I'm excited about training camp and some of those battles. I'm curious as to Gentry (TE) as to how far he will go thus determining if a last minute FA is needed. The obvious rookies, JUST ALL of it. Again I haven't been this excited in several years and YES that happens to corispond with the meMEme cancer no longer here, creating a more TEAM 1st atmosphere. LOVE IT





Salute the nation

I can't see how Gentry would be ready. If they want to go with Mac, Grimble and Gentry, they better have a grissled vet on speed dial. I don't think they have enough cap room to just pick up one of the available guys at this point.

 

[Drink IRON City]

I can't see how Gentry would be ready. If they want to go with Mac, Grimble and Gentry, they better have a grissled vet on speed dial. I don't think they have enough cap room to just pick up one of the available guys at this point.

I should have clarified "scrape heap" after cuts and cheap veteran help.



Salute the nation

 

[Bobby Bufford]

DJ will not be getting that many targets as a rookie. Switzer is reliable and will keep getting targets. Those who think DJ will contribute much this year will be disappointed.

 

[Drink IRON City]

DJ will not be getting that many targets as a rookie. Switzer is reliable and will keep getting targets. Those who think DJ will contribute much this year will be disappointed.

We will know a lot more durring / after TC. I'm thinking he developes nicely and gets slightly above average rookie numbers as for yards / catches / ect.. Things can change pending on injuries but I'm looking forward to see his developement .





Salute the nation

 

[BLITZ]

Good article. My impression with Layne is they will groom him slowly this year to be a starting corner taking Hayden's place unless Nelson busts as a FA (I believe they have easy outs on that contract). Layne is that long, big bodied guy that can run. Typically that doesn't do so well in the slot against twitchy, change of direction players. I don't anticipate Layne seeing much playing time this year. But the rest , I agree won't get a red shirt year. When it comes to Devin Bush, considering they have Mark Barron, I would put him on a pitch count. Almost every rookie that is pressed into heavy early action reports the rookie wall of going from 12 games and a bowl to 16 and possibly playoffs.

I think in todays nfl you basically need 3 starting cbs on the field. hopefully it is Nelson Hayden and ? Layne has a good of chance as playing as our other CBs.

 

[Stryker]

I can't see how Gentry would be ready. If they want to go with Mac, Grimble and Gentry, they better have a grissled vet on speed dial. I don't think they have enough cap room to just pick up one of the available guys at this point.

Gentry has to show he can block. If not, the Steelers may dump him for a FA.

 

[t-man]

I think in todays nfl you basically need 3 starting cbs on the field. hopefully it is Nelson Hayden and ? Layne has a good of chance as playing as our other CBs.

I think Antwon (Valentino) Blake is available now. That guy might have been the WORST starting corner this team has seen in 20 years.

Joe

 

[Bobby Bufford]

We will know a lot more durring / after TC. I'm thinking he developes nicely and gets slightly above average rookie numbers as for yards / catches / ect.. Things can change pending on injuries but I'm looking forward to see his developement .

Yes, injuries can change a lot of things. What if JuJu and Moncrief go down? Then DJ would be more involved, obviously.

As it sits now, I see Washington being the guy who seems to come out of nowhere to be pretty good. He was lost as a rookie but started to come on by the later part of the season.

And now he comes in leaner, more focused, more aware.

 

[SteelerSask2]

I think in todays nfl you basically need 3 starting cbs on the field. hopefully it is Nelson Hayden and ? Layne has a good of chance as playing as our other CBs.

If he shows enough potential they could perhaps put him on the outside and then move say Hayden inside. I'm just saying that his body type doesn't set up well to slot work. but there is some pretty experienced slot corners in Hilton and Sutton on this roster. Would be tough. My guess especially because he is a converted Wr. is Layne gets the redshirt year.

 

[slashsteel]

Three rookies are in a unique position to get significant playing time.......or not.

That is the beauty of stockpiling weaknesses. They can be eased in slowly. Or they can shine in training camp/ preseason and challenge for playing time.

 

[bermudasteel]

DJ will not be getting that many targets as a rookie. Switzer is reliable and will keep getting targets. Those who think DJ will contribute much this year will be disappointed.

Prove it.

Don't just throw comments out in space. While I don't agree w/ the author of the article - DJ's game is more AB-like than Emmanuel Sanders. Not saying that Emmanuel isn't good; but, I'd venture to say that the Steelers DID THEIR HOMEWORK when they scouted this kid and kept their desires under wraps until draft day.

Now, let's compare the two 'unproven' commodities - Switzer is a journeyman and, IMO, is a great fit for the Steelers in the slot. Very much like your favorite team's slot WR, Edelman or Amendola. The tape shows that he, Switzer, is a slot guy and a slot guy alone; he also contributes on ST.

DJ can play, and has played in all three WR positions at a high level. Maybe you're right - maybe he doesn't come out w/ his hair on fire; but, some of us Steeler fans have seen the writing on the wall and we can hear the whispers, "this kid is the truth". Only time will tell. Count down to training camp has already started.

Buckle up, Fluffy - this ride is gonna be good!!!

 

[bermudasteel]

I think Antwon (Valentino) Blake is available now. That guy might have been the WORST starting corner this team has seen in 20 years.

Joe

Oh no you didn't!!! LOL CHAD SCOTT says, "Hola"...

 

[Ike Kelly]

I can't see how Gentry would be ready. If they want to go with Mac, Grimble and Gentry, they better have a grissled vet on speed dial. I don't think they have enough cap room to just pick up one of the available guys at this point.

I think they will run more 21 personnel than 12. With Samuels, there is that option of sending him to that spot or using one of the extra tackles.


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[SteelerSask2]

I think they will run more 21 personnel than 12. With Samuels, there is that option of sending him to that spot or using one of the extra tackles.


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That could be a very diverse offense with Samuels in a search back position. Blocking and leaking out into the flat. Does he block well?

 

[fedderone]

DJ will not be getting that many targets as a rookie. Switzer is reliable and will keep getting targets. Those who think DJ will contribute much this year will be disappointed.

Depends on what you mean by contribute.
I think he's instantly the Steelers #1 Punt Returner and Kick Returner.
I also think he'll instantly be either the #3 or #4 WR on the team behind JuJu, Washington, and/or Moncrief.
Yeah, he's not going to post anywhere near Randy Moss rookie numbers, but the Steelers don't need him too, either.
My best guess for him is around 35-40 receptions for around 500-600 yards and a handful of receiving TDs.

He's WAY more polished as a route runner than Washington was as a rookie.
As previously mentioned, he can line up at the X, Y, or Z.
It will all come down to how quickly he can learn the route tree and offense.
At the very worst case scenario, he will start above Switzer and Rogers but behind Moncrief and Washington.
At best case scenario, he'll be the 2 behind JuJu. I don't see this happening, though.

 

[slashsteel]

Depends on what you mean by contribute.
I think he's instantly the Steelers #1 Punt Returner and Kick Returner.
I also think he'll instantly be either the #3 or #4 WR on the team behind JuJu, Washington, and/or Moncrief.
Yeah, he's not going to post anywhere near Randy Moss rookie numbers, but the Steelers don't need him too, either.
My best guess for him is around 35-40 receptions for around 500-600 yards and a handful of receiving TDs.

He's WAY more polished as a route runner than Washington was as a rookie.
As previously mentioned, he can line up at the X, Y, or Z.
It will all come down to how quickly he can learn the route tree and offense.
At the very worst case scenario, he will start above Switzer and Rogers but behind Moncrief and Washington.
At best case scenario, he'll be the 2 behind JuJu. I don't see this happening, though.

You had me all but that line. Not that I don't think he is capable. He will just have to show consistency before getting those looks. His start will be behind the vets until he earns advancement. Which could very well be by game 1.

 

[bermudasteel]

That could be a very diverse offense with Samuels in a search back position. Blocking and leaking out into the flat. Does he block well?

Yes he's the total package...

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[fedderone]

You had me all but that line. Not that I don't think he is capable. He will just have to show consistency before getting those looks. His start will be behind the vets until he earns advancement. Which could very well be by game 1.

Sorry, I was intending to tie that statement directly to the one above it.
I got to watch Diontae at U of Toledo as I live here.
I have the same kind of feeling about him as I did Kareem Hunt ( playing skills ONLY, not as a human being ).
He's special.
I think his learning curve will not be as steep as others.
He's got the right mindset, character, and work ethic.
I think he's going to make it hard on the coaches by the end of preseason.

 

[SteveA]

I think DJ WILL get more snaps than people realize....

Switzer, IMO has to hustle because I really didn't see much production from him last year that would say he is top dog.

Maybe it was just me, but dude got stuffed a bunch. Didn't see the elusiveness which a guy his size has to demonstrate. Because if he ain't elusive HE WILL GET STUFFED...

But, now with competition he will be fighting for playing time....GOTTA LOVE IT

 

[bermudasteel]

I jumped on the DJ bandwagon minutes after he was selected. The more you dig--- the more gold you find...

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[Drink IRON City]

That could be a very diverse offense with Samuels in a search back position. Blocking and leaking out into the flat. Does he block well?

In what little we saw him play, he seemed to hold his own. I'd imagine with another TC under the belt, he's hone those skills.



Salute the nation

 

[ark steel]

. The more you dig--- the more gold you find...

I just keep getting more boogers.