Steelers rookie WR Sammie Coates: "I want to be one of the best wide receivers in the game"

When the Pittsburgh Steelers selected Sammie Coates in the third round of the 2015 NFL Draft, it had many people scratching heir heads. Coates was big, fast and athletic, but also had his share of drops while playing at Auburn throughout his college career.

Nonetheless, as the rookie receiver looks to get his feet wet with official NFL action in training camp and the preseason, his goals are much larger than just making the team's 53-man roster.

"I want to be a part of what we do. I want to win, and I want to be a part of winning. I want to do whatever I can to contribute to winning." Coates told Teresa Varley of Steelers.com.

When discussing individual goals for the upcoming season, Coates didn't shy away from lofty expectations for himself. "I want to be one of the best wide receivers in the game. I want people to see that I am a great player and a great man too."

Luckily for Coates, he won't have to look far to see what being one of the best wide receivers in the game looks like. Antonio Brown and the rest of the Steelers' wide receiving corps will surely take Coates under their wing and teach him the tricks of the trade to make him successful. If there is one thing for certain about the Steelers, they know how to draft receivers, and Coates is hoping his name is just the latest on a long list of talented pass catchers to come through Pittsburgh.

Coates' journey to being one of the best won't be easy, especially on a team which possesses Brown, Martavis Bryant and Markus Wheaton who are already locked into starting positions on the team. Coates' battle as a rookie, barring injury, will likely be for the team's No. 4 wide receiver spot with Darrius Heyward-Bey and C.J. Goodwin. Coates will have to prove his worth throughout training camp (which starts July 25th) and the 5 preseason games the Steelers have this upcoming season.