There is a lot of skepticism for the Pittsburgh Steelers as they enter the 2021 NFL season. Among the greatest is the health and decline of 39-year old quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and the stability of the offensive line. Last season, the Steelers relied on the arm of Roethlisberger too much as the rushing game fizzled out. The Steelers return a trio of highly productive receivers that are efficient in their distinctive skill. These receivers were the main reason the offense ranked 12th in the league in points per game (26) and 15th in passing yards per game (250.2). If the Pittsburgh Steelers want to avoid missing the playoffs for the third time in the last four seasons, they will need to figure out who could be their number one receiver this season.
Which Pittsburgh Steelers Receiver Will Have The Most Impact in 2021?
JuJu Smith-Schuster
One of the most experienced and talented receivers for Pittsburgh is the former 2018 Pro Bowl receiver. JuJu Smith-Schuster came onto the scene for Pittsburgh during the peak of Antonio Brown’s dynamic impact for the Steelers. This past season was his most impactful performance since his 2018 Pro Bowl season. Schuster caught 97 receptions for 831 yards and nine touchdowns for Pittsburgh this past season. He was first on the team receptions and receiving touchdowns accounted. He was the most reliable receiver this past by catching 75.8% of his targets. Schuster was third in reception-to-target percentages, just behind Ray-Ray McCloud and running back James Conner. Most of his catches were in the short-to-mid-range passing game averaging 8.6 yards per reception. He is a dynamic playmaker that can make explosive plays on screens, but the Steelers may want him to expand his reliability in 2021.
Chase Claypool
Chase Claypool was a rookie that exploded onto the scene for the Steelers this past season. Last season, Claypool caught 62 receptions for 873 yards and nine touchdowns. Claypool was named a part of the Pro Football Writer’s Association All-Rookie Team this past season. In his first start for the Steelers this past season, Claypool caught seven receptions (on 11 targets) on 110 yards and three touchdowns in the 38-29 win over the Philadelphia Eagles. The Canadian rookie fluctuated in starts for Pittsburgh but started in four of the last five games in the season. The Steelers will have Claypool as one of their full-time starters at wide receiver this 2021 season. Claypool was second for the Steelers in receiving yards and tied for first (with Schuster) in receiving touchdowns. He might be the called upon receiver in the deep passing game as he averaged 14.1 yards per reception.
Diontae Johnson
Claypool was not the only receiver that exploded this past season for Pittsburgh. Diontae Johnson surpassed his rookie season in 2019 with an even better performance this past season. This past season, Johnson caught 88 receptions for 923 yards and seven touchdowns. He was first on the team in receiving yards and first in targets. Johnson was also second on the team in receptions for Pittsburgh. Like Claypool, Johnson was a stellar deep-threat receiver for the Steelers this past season as he averaged 10.5 yards per reception. Johnson has started in 25 of the 31 games played in his first two seasons in the league. He expects to get even better in the upcoming 2021 NFL season. Pro Football Focus named Johnson as one of the main offensive players to have a breakout year in 2021.
What to Expect from the Pittsburgh Steelers Receiver Corps this 2021 season
Smith-Schuster is a player that can remain the Steelers’ voice off-the-field and remain as their explosive, dynamic receiver. Claypool and Johnson, on the other hand, have more room to develop into the league’s top deep-threat receivers. Pittsburgh can not go wrong with the opportunity to have one of these receivers be the face of their offense. They will need more impact from their other receivers as these three receivers, along with tight end Eric Ebron, were the only players to catch a receiving touchdown. They will need support from McCloud, who enters his fourth season in the league. While fourth-year receiver James Washington demanded a trade from Pittsburgh, he is still practicing while looking for a more impactful role on the offense. Washington could be a solid fourth-option if he remains in this already star-studded receiver corp.
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