The Pittsburgh Steelers are just over a week away from the start of training camp and many players have something to prove.
Position battles are a key part of NFL training camps. The Steelers are expected to have plenty, especially at the wide receiver position with the departures of Diontae Johnson and Allen Robinson.
Pittsburgh signed two wide receivers to contracts in the offseason while selecting one in the 2024 NFL Draft. With the 84th overall pick, the Steelers added Michigan Wolverines wide receiver Roman Wilson. The two free agent signings included former Los Angeles Rams wideout Van Jefferson and former Philadelphia Eagles pass catcher Quez Watkins. It’s expected that the two signings will fight it out to earn the No. 3 receiver spot on the depth chart.
Bleacher Report made a list predicting every NFL team’s bust for the upcoming season, naming Jefferson as Pittsburgh’s potential bust.
“Van Jefferson put together a solid 2022 campaign on the Los Angeles Rams, tallying 802 yards and six touchdowns,” Bleacher Report’s David Kenyon wrote. “Otherwise, though, he’s totaled 798 yards in three seasons. Pittsburgh, as currently constructed, is counting on Jefferson to hold a significant role. The risk is apparent.”
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The 27-year-old wideout had just 20 receptions for 209 receiving yards last season, playing 12 games for the Atlanta Falcons before returning to the Rams to play five more. He had a career-low 4.9 yards per target through the 17 games.
Pittsburgh will start its training camp on July 24, where Jefferson and others will look to exceed expectations.
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