Moncrief in lead for No. 2 wide receiver spot
Displays speed, combat skills as well as great hands; bonds fast with Big Ben
When there was harmony in the relationship, Ben Roethlisberger and Antonio Brown had a special connection on the field. It came after years of working together, but over time Roethlisberger developed a sixth sense for where Brown was going to be on the field at all times. Their timing was impeccable, their chemistry undeniable.
One of the most important aspects of this training camp for the Steelers is to determine who will replace Brown in the starting lineup. It’s early, but there is a leader in the clubhouse through the first week.
The battle for the starting job opposite JuJu SmithSchuster is ongoing, but Donte Moncrief is making a strong impression on his teammates.
“Donte Moncrief has made plays,” backup quarterback Josh Dobbs said. “That’s good to see a new guy come in and once the pads are on make plays.”
Moncrief, who signed a two- year, $ 9 million free - agent deal in March, is off to a fast start with Roethlisberger. They haven’t played together in a game yet, but they already have developed a strong rapport.
“As you can tell from camp and OTAs, the connection is there,” Moncrief said Wednesday afternoon. “It’s crazy how fast he connected with me, how fast he learned the way I ran my routes and the spots I would be in. As you can tell, we continue to
get better and better. We just want to keep going from that and keep getting better. It’s going to be a fun year. It’s going to be exciting.”
Moncrief didn’t waste any time getting familiar with the Steelers offense. He immersed himself in the playbook and quickly gained the trust of Roethlisberger and the coaches. Once he did that, it was only a matter of getting their timing down on the field. Roethlisberger’s regular presence at practices this spring helped speed up Moncrief’s learning curve.
“I just stayed in the playbook,” he said. “I got with the older guys who have been here. They taught me the signals. They taught me how to learn it the easiest way.
“That was a great way to get started this spring. Ben learned how I run my routes and where to put the ball, and then it was just me learning the places he wanted me to be.”
By no means does this suggest Moncrief will produce the numbers Brown did, but it’s a good sign as Roethlisberger searches for new and reliable weapons.
Moncrief came to the Steelers with the reputation of being mostly a deep threat. He was one of the fastest receivers in his draft class in 2014 and got off to a good start with the Indianapolis Colts. He had 96 catches and more than 1,100 yards in his first two NFL seasons. But after Colts quarterback Andrew Luck was injured for most of the next two seasons, Moncrief’s production slipped.
He left the Colts after four seasons to sign with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Moncrief had 48 receptions for 668 yards last season in Jacksonville, but the Steelers believe there is more potential to tap now that he’s playing with a franchise quarterback again.
“I got a chance to throw with him this offseason, and it’s strong hands, make combat catches, a big body over the middle,” Dobbs said. “But I think people also don’t always see his speed. He’s also able to take the top off of coverages on go- balls, post- balls over the top, so he definitely provides a different dynamic to the offense, and we’re excited to use his skill set.”
Steelers defensive backs are getting an up- close look at Moncrief every day, and they’ve been impressed, too. Second- year safety Terrell Edmunds also raved about Moncrief’s strong hands. Cornerback Steven Nelson, a free- agent acquisition like Moncrief, noted his sneaky athleticism for a bigger receiver.
“I played against him last year,” said Nelson, who played his first four NFL seasons with Kansas City. “He’s very athletic, smooth route runner, a veteran guy. He catches the ball. He’s been doing some good things in this camp. He’s an exciting player.”
Moncrief has plenty of competition for the No. 2 receiver job. The Steelers have invested heavily in receivers in the draft in recent years. James Washington came in the second round last year and Diontae Johnson was selected with the second pick of the third round in the spring.
All three are expected to contribute this season, but Moncrief has his sights set on being a starter.
“That’s my main goal,” he said. “I want to earn that job because I know I can help this team. I know I can go out there and make plays. Whatever it takes for me to do that that’s what I’m going to do.”