WRs continue to shrink in size, but certainly not in speed, skill
They might not be “The Smurfs” of early 1980s Washington Redskins lore, but Steelers receivers are shrinking in size.
Donte Moncrief ( 6 feet 2) and JuJu Smith- Schuster ( 61) are the tallest receivers on the current 90- man roster, but the others exemplify the types of receivers the college game is producing for the NFL. The spread offense and quick schemes RPO that have ( run/ become pass/ so option) popular across high school and college football are designed to quickly get the ball into the hands of fast players that can use their athleticism to get yards after the catch. NFL teams, including the Steelers, have gradually introduced RPOs into their offensive game plans. Many younger coaches are coming from the college game and installing their offenses, but lifelong NFL coaches are learning how to infuse the schemes, too. It’s not that they necessarily want to change their pro- style
offenses, but it’s simply a matter of taking advantage of the types of players that are being developed at the sport’s lower levels.
“We’re adjusting,” Steelers receivers coach Darryl Drake said. “Most of the time, the smaller guys have the foot quickness to work inside. They have a particular skill set that we like to use in our offense. You still prototypically want that special guy who is big and quick and fast and athletic, but God only made a few of those guys. So you adjust to what you have and make sure those guys can do what you ask them to do.”
The other four receivers with the best chance of making the 53- man roster are 5- feet- 11 or shorter. They are Ryan Switzer ( 5- 8), Eli Rogers ( 5- 10), Diontae Johnson ( 5- 11) and James Washington ( 5- 11).
The 2019 NFL draft offered a good example of how teams are beginning to embrace shorter receivers over taller ones. The first receiver selected was 5- 9, 168pound Marquise Brown from Oklahoma. Of the first 10 receivers taken in the draft, seven are 6- feet or shorter. The 10th receiver to come off the board was Johnson, whom the Steelers took with the second pick of the third round.
Some NFL draft analysts had Johnson going on Day 3 of the draft ( rounds 4 through 7), but he was selected only two picks after D. K. Metcalf, a player that had been projected by many to be the first receiver off the board.
Metcalf is 6- 3, 230 pounds and ran a 4.33 in the 40- yard dash. But since Metcalf is more fast than athletic, there were concerns by NFL teams about his adaptability to changing NFL passing trends. With NFL defensive coordinators playing two deep safeties more often in an attempt to limit big plays, the usefulness of players such as Metcalf suddenly is in doubt.
Players with elite routerunning skills and elite quickness are now in favor over fast players that don’t run polished routes.
When Rogers arrived to the Steelers as an undrafted free agent in 2015, he provided a skill set to the offense that was unique. He was the small, shifty slot receiver that consistently had a knack for getting open. He developed a quick rapport with Ben Roethlisberger and, for a short time, was the talk of camp.
A foot injury ended his rookie season early, but Rogers has remained with the team because of his route- running skills. But now, instead of being unique, he’s surrounded by many similar players.
There is Switzer, who was brought in last year via trade when Rogers was injured. If the Steelers only keep five receivers on their 53- man roster, many believe it’s Switzer vs. Rogers for the final spot.
There is Johnson, who was regarded as perhaps the best route- runner in his draft class. Even the long shots in camp that are flashing some skill are smaller in stature. Diontae Spencer is a 5- 8 receiver and punt- returner, and he has stood out in his playmaking ability.
“It’s a good atmosphere,” Rogers said. “Competition is always good. It’s good to be a part of it.”
But Rogers doesn’t necessarily agree that his peers are as similar to him.
“Those guys have great qualities,” he said. “I don’t think there is anyone like me. Those are some great guys, though. They have some great abilities.”
Now it’s up to Drake and offensive coordinator Randy Fichtner to sort out who fits best and where. The evaluation process is ongoing during training camp practices, but the preseason opener Friday against Tampa Bay is an additional tool the coaches will use as they strive to put together their best group.
“You get somewhat of a feel for evaluation every day,” Drake said. “But you really get a true evaluation when it’s all- the- way live. When you play the first preseason game, it’s all- theway live. You want to see guys react to different guys who aren’t your teammate. You want to see the physicality. You want to see the mental aspect of it, the technical aspect of it. It’s a great time for us.
“They’re tired of seeing each other. You really welcome this at this time. It’s about competing against that other team and showcasing your skills to see if you can get it done. I’m excited to see who can and who can’t. The ones who can, march on. The ones who can’t, find something else to do.”