Who will emerge as the Steelers 2nd WR?

[Slaine]

Well according to Peter King it's Bryant.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>RT <a href="https://twitter.com/CWback2running">@CWback2running</a>: Who will emerge as the Steelers 2nd WR? ... Martavis Bryant is my guess, by midseason.</p>— Peter King (@SI_PeterKing) <a href="https://twitter.com/SI_PeterKing/statuses/492485598297325569">July 25, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

I called him on it as I think that's a big ask of most rookie WRs. What do you guys think?

 

[Penguins&Steelers]

It has to be Wheaton. Wheaton stepping up is one of the keys for us right now. Otherwise, what do we do? Move Lance Moore outside, or play Darius Heyward-Bey? I don't think so.

 

[antdrewjosh]

I dont care who it is as long as someone does. Dont count out Justin Brown.

 

[TDX27]

I think it may be Moore for his consistency. We'll have to see how camp and the preseason goes before I can put Wheaton or anyone else at number 2. But, having them at number 3, isn't all that bad either.

 

[bermudasteel]

I'm jumping on the Bryant bandwagon (silently)...I want a prolific offense is all...

 

[Superman]

won't be Moore. He's a slot receiver and nothing more.
Hopefully it's Bryant.
Heyward-Bey shouldnt even be on the roster (hopefully after saying that he catches 25 TDs this season including 4 in the repuS lwoB and the game-clincher)

 

[Wingman]

I just hope who ever it is can catch better than Ike.

 

[skialta]

I just hope who ever it is can catch better than Ike.

i'll see your Ike and raise you a manny sanders!

 

[SteelerAl]

The answer is Wheaton. This will be a learning year for Bryant...he won't see the field before the last quarter of the season, and then it will just be a few packages / red zone etc.

 

[antdrewjosh]

From article by Dejan Kovacevic

MARKUS WHEATON

Wheaton will be the most important player to watch in the early going. Not so much because of what he can do but what happens if he can’t.

Do you really want Lance Moore to move to the outside?

Moore assured me he’d be “absolutely comfortable” doing that, but he’s been so sound in the slot, that would be nuts.

Do you really want to see if Darrius Heyward-Bey has finally found his hands?

Based on his summer sessions, trust me, you don’t.

Martavis Bryant?

Too young, too raw. There might be something there in the future, but it became eminently clear through the summer that Bryant was anything but a Tomlin favorite.

Wheaton has to step up, mangled fingers and all. He’s got the talent, for sure. It was at this same early stage of camp last summer that he first flashed it for the Steelers, and there were times during the season, as well. Ben Roethlisberger loves him, too, calling him “a guy capable of big things.”

That might well be, but “big” will have to mean a mammoth upgrade over six catches and standing on the sideline in sweats.

“The spot isn’t mine,” Wheaton said at one point this summer. He was speaking with modesty, for sure, but he’d better have been wrong.

 

[Stryker]

Justin Brown. He has the same amount of years as Wheaton, and it looked like he could handle the extra load in OTAs. His hands are unquestioned and he has good size and speed. We may have developed a more sure handed Nate Washington.

 

[antdrewjosh]

Justin Brown. He has the same amount of years as Wheaton, and it looked like he could handle the extra load in OTAs. His hands are unquestioned and he has good size and speed. We may have developed a more sure handed Nate Washington.

And he can block

 

[SteelerAl]

Justin Brown. He has the same amount of years as Wheaton, and it looked like he could handle the extra load in OTAs. His hands are unquestioned and he has good size and speed. We may have developed a more sure handed Nate Washington.

Uh no. Nate Washington was fast. Brown is a plodder.

 

[FordFairLane]

I bet we play a slew of receivers at the Z. I could see us playing DHB if we are running a go route, Bryant if we are running a fade or a jump ball in the red zone, Wheaton if we are running a cross or slant between the 20's. My guess is Wheaton gets 75% of the snaps with DHB and Bryant finding a nitch in the offense to cut out 25%.

 

[bermudasteel]

I agree - I don't think DHB makes it on the final 53...

 

[SteelerFan448]

Would be stunned if Bryant made that big of a leap as a rookie. It's Wheaton's job.

 

[SCSteeler4life]

Lance Moore at the 2. DHB get's cut.

 

[Vindrow]

Wheaton will be the #2.

 

[bmoritz]

I guess I'm not getting the Wheaton is the clear cut #2 thing. I have nothing against him, and if he plays great, awesome. But what exactly was it from his rookie season that makes so many act like it's a forgone conclusion?

 

[JupiterBnG]

I guess I'm not getting the Wheaton is the clear cut #2 thing. I have nothing against him, and if he plays great, awesome. But what exactly was it from his rookie season that makes so many act like it's a forgone conclusion?

I don't think any of those opinions are based on his performance last year. It's all about looking at who is contending for the spot, and saying that Wheaton HAS to step up and take that role, because the alternatives are frightening.

 

[Black & Gold Bleeder]

No FA signings.. cept for DHB. I think the front office has confidence in Wheaton. No body of work, but was injured and did see the field last year as a rookie.

 

[SteelerAl]

Wheaton was impressive in training camp last year. That doesn't amount to much, I know, but he had progressed to the point where he was going to get some decent playing time after the bye week (which was Week 5 last season). Then he got injured when he saw his first real playing time in London (Week 4).

 

[SCSteeler4life]

I still think Moore is the best option. He struggled last year with injuries, so the Saints went with younger cheaper options but he had a great 2012 season with 65 catches and 1000 yards. I'd be happy with 45 and 650.

 

[blitzburghv5]

Its time for Wheaton to show his abilities....we drafted him (3rd round i believe), so we should have some confidence he can step up and take the #2 spot.

But i dont think Justin Brown is gonna go away easily. Im expecting some major production this pre-season from him. The coaches wanna see if hes major contribution material or just S.T. material.

 

[slashsteel]

Brown
Wheaton
Moore
Bryant
Justin Brown


It is how I think it shakes out. We shall see though, Besides DE, definitely a area of concern.