Steelers 2018 Positional Outlook: Examining the wide receiver depth after the draft

The Pittsburgh Steelers are preparing for the 2018 regular season, and after the 2018 NFL Draft the overall 90-man roster is set — for now. As players become available, and injuries happen, the offseason roster is certainly fluid, but it doesn’t mean we can’t take a look at the current roster and see who could make the starting roster when things shake out prior to Week 1 of the regular season.

Today, we focus on the wide receiver position. The Steelers have seen some turnover already at the position with the draft day trade of Martavis Bryant to the Raiders, and the selection of James Washington, of Oklahoma State, in the second round.

Let’s take a look at the receivers currently on the team’s offseason roster:

Antonio Brown
JuJu Smith-Schuster
James Washington
Justin Hunter
Darrius Heyward-Bey
Marcus Tucker
Trey Griffey
Tevin Jones
Justin Thomas
Quadree Henderson

Immediately, you see three players on this list who can be viewed as locks to make the Week 1 roster. Brown, Smith-Schuster and Washington. Outside of that trio, anything is possible with the rest of the roster.

The team signed Justin Hunter to a one-year contract this offseason, and in hindsight this move might have made the trading of Bryant a bit easier to swallow. No, Hunter isn’t as dynamic as Bryant, but he is certainly fast enough to take the top off a defense. Either way, I see Hunter making the team.

Typically the Steelers keep six wide receivers on their game day roster, and with Hunter in the mix it leaves two spots available. Before going any further, it should be noted the Steelers will be keeping a close eye on Eli Rogers’ rehab as he makes his way back to the lineup after tearing his ACL in the playoff loss to the Jaguars last year. If healthy, Rogers could certainly be the fifth wide receiver on this list, but since he isn’t currently on the roster, we will assume it will remain that way.

Marcus Tucker is a player the Steelers have kept around on their practice squad for a reason. They like his ability to play the slot, and he has played well when given a chance in the preseason. Another player to watch is Quadree Henderson. An Undrafted Free Agent (UDFA) out of the University of Pittsburgh, he can be the kick/punt returner the team has been searching for, along with added depth at the receiver position. Throw in the veteran, Heyward-Bey, and you have a pretty interesting battle heading into the offseason.

What is my prediction for who will make the team, assuming Rogers isn’t in the mix?

Antonio Brown
JuJu Smith-Schuster
James Washington
Justin Hunter
Darrius Heyward-Bey
Quadree Henderson

Who do you think will be the team’s wide receiving corps when all is said and done? Let us know in the comment section below!