The Renegade: Position Group Preview: WR/TE

Welcome back to our next segment of position group previews for the 2019 Steelers! This week we take a look at two groups that have been relatively solid for the Steelers over the years, WR and TE. WR especially has been a strength for this team in recent seasons with talents like AB, Martavis Bryant, Emmanuel Sanders, and etc, and this is the first year in a while where there are some unknowns with this group. The same can almost be said for the TE group where Jesse James has moved on to the Lions and Vance McDonald is the returning starter with a bad injury history. Let's take a look at the best and worst case scenarios for these groups and here we go!

Wide Receivers on the Roster

Diontae Johnson #18 5-10 183
Donte Moncrief #11 6-2 216
Eli Rogers #17 5-10 187
JuJu SmithSchuster #19 6-1 215
Ryan Switzer #10 5-8 185
James Washington #13 5-11 213

Projected WR Starters

#1 Receiver: JuJu aka the GOAT

#2 Receiver: Donte Moncrief

#3 Receiver James Washington

Slot Receiver: Eli Rogers

No surprises here. We all know JuJu is going to be the #1 guy and it is very likely Donte Moncrief will at least start the season as the #2 guy. What is yet to be seen is how playing time works out for all of the other receivers. Washington will likely start out as the #3 guy given his talent and being in his second year, but Diontae Johnson could push for more playing time as we get more into the season. Eli has had flashes of being a better receiver than Switzer, when healthy (which it's been a couple years), and he should get the majority of the snaps there. expect to see a lot of 4-5 WR looks this year. Switzer and Eli will fight for attention from Ben, as whoever is his favorite usually (obviously) gets more playing time. But Switzer has also received time in the backfield, which seems to be continuing.

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Dark Horse to Make the Team

Diontae Spencer #82 5-8 170

Diontae is a WR from the Canadian Football League who has been impressive to coaches and fans in the early days of camp. There is really not a roster spot open for him on the team, but if he continues to impress, especially in the return game, look for him to overtake Rogers or Switzer's spot on the roster. 

Tight Ends on the Roster

Vance McDonald #89 6-4 267

Xavier Grimble #85 6-4 261

Zach Gentry #81 6-8 265

Projected TE Starter

This is easy, Vance McDonald, aka, the VANIMAL. When healthy, McDonald was an absolute beast for the Steelers last year and probably had one of the best stiff arms in NFL history. Health is the key for McDonald, and if he can stay healthy, he is going to have a huge year.

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Best Case Scenario

JuJu proves to all his doubters that he is a true number one receiver and makes an All-Pro team. James Washington continues to improve on the flashes that he showed towards the end of last season and Moncrief produces 700+ yards and 6+ TDs while both become great second and third options for Big Ben. Eli Rogers and Ryan Switzer move the chains in the slot and make an impact in the return game that was missing last season. Lastly, Diontae Johnson shocks the NFL and truly lives up to his potential where some analysts and coaches compared him to a former #84. This group does not miss a beat with the loss of AB and becomes a more diverse offense and feed off of each other’s success.

For the TEs, best case is the Vanimal staying healthy all season and letting some more NFL DBs meet his stiff arm! McDonald turns into Ben's favorite red zone target and is a huge threat over the middle of the field all season. 

Worst Case Scenario

JuJu struggles being double covered and the focus of opposing defenses and does not prove he is a true #1 receiver. Washington does not build off of a strong end to his rookie year and Moncrief does not excel with a HOF QB like we all thought he would. Rogers and Switzer are relatively non-existent in the slot and Diontae Johnson does not see the field.

For the TEs, Vanimal being hurt and forcing Grimble or Gentry to play is a disaster. Grimble is a decent back up, but he definitely is not a starter (remember that Denver game fumble?). Gentry is young and will need time to develop, but could be a promising red zone threat with his 6-8 height. 

Overall WR Group Rating: B

JuJu is a Pro-Bowler and our favorite player on the team, but he needs to prove himself as a #1 receiving option this season (and we think he will do just that). All the receivers behind JuJu have potential, but it is still to be seen how they progress, which leads to this group getting a B rating. 

GIF WR Group Description:

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Overall TE Group Description: C+

McDonald is a great TE, but his injury history is scary. Grimble is a decent back up but unproven and unreliable if needed as a #1 and Gentry is going to need some time to develop. I would not be surprised if Colbert made a move before the start of the season to add to this group. 

TE GIF Group Rating: Live Look at the Vanimal's Pads this Season...

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What are your thoughts on the WR and TE groups? Let us know and thanks for reading!

Here We Go Steelers!

-Aaron and Ryan, TGYK