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The Pittsburgh Steelers don’t necessarily have a huge need for a wide receiver, but if they are unable to retain JuJu Smith-Schuster, the need for another wide receiver becomes amplified.
For the global Steelers fan base, this should be something you are comfortable with. After all, there is a reason the Steelers are considered a wide receiver factory under General Manager Kevin Colbert.
Leading into the 2021 NFL Draft, it is safe to say the Steelers will certainly be looking at adding to their wide receiver room. Even with Diontae Johnson, James Washington and Chase Claypool all returning, the Steelers always think a year ahead. A year from now Washington will be a free agent, and Johnson with just one year left on his rookie deal.
Preparing for the future is necessary, and the Steelers are reportedly taking a look at Auburn wide receiver Anthony Schwartz leading up to the draft.
#Auburn WR Anthony Schwartz has the deep speed (former track star) to take the top off the defense. A versatile WR that can play both inside/outside.
— Justin M (@JustinM_NFL) February 28, 2021
He has met/will meet virtually with the #Patriots, #Seahawks, #Steelers, #Jets, #Chargers, #Colts, #Saints and #Titans.
There are a lot of reasons to like a player like Schwartz. The former track star has the speed to take the top off any defensive scheme, but he also has the versatility to play both from the slot and on the outside.
This is something not every draft prospect can say they have in their repertoire. To know more about Schwartz, check out his NFL Draft profile via the Draft Network:
Anthony Schwartz has exceptional proactive athleticism, as evidenced by his quickness, body control, and balance. He’s a willing stalk blocker but is better off running the defender off. In the passing game, he is a threat due to his explosive speed to threaten a defense before and after the ball arrives. He is a home-run threat and defenders must account for his dynamic ability in the slot. He displays some physical toughness for being a “track guy” and would be a matchup problem in the slot.
Ideal Role: Slot receiver.
Scheme Fit: Vertical passing offense.
A player like Schwarz certainly could be a player in the Steelers’ offense. Having a player who can be a deep threat from the slot is rare, and a valuable weapon to any scheme. Add a player with Schwartz’s speed to Claypool, Johnson and Washington, and you have yourself an even more dynamic receiver group in 2021.
What do you think of Schwartz? A worthy prospect, or over-hyped? Let us know in the comment section below, and be sure to stay tuned to BTSC for the latest news and notes surrounding the black and gold as they prepare for the new league year, NFL Free Agency and the 2021 NFL Draft.