With the NFL season rapidly approaching, the top player lists are coming in at a fast and furious pace. The Pittsburgh Steelers are in an interesting position this season. Mike McCarthy has taken over for Mike Tomlin, reunited with Aaron Rodgers, who is in his final season, and the team added offensive pieces like Rico Dowdle and Michael Pittman, Jr.
The Steelers desperately needed to upgrade the receiver room and the duo of D.K. Metcalf and Pittman, Jr. is as formidable as it gets. Rodgers will have
plenty of options in the passing game. Bleacher Report has released its top wide receiver list and Damian Parson is responsible for ranking the offensive skill position players (QB/WR/RB/FB).
The methodology is simple and film based.
“Receivers are graded on six categories: hands (25 points), route running, football IQ (20 apiece), athleticism (15), YAC and blocking (10 apiece). Trait scores add up to the grade, and when multiple players received the same score, their ranking was determined by a majority vote among the group.”
The tiers are broken up as backup & developmental, replacement level, functional performer, reliable contributor, critical roster piece, high-quality starter, Pro Bowl caliber, All-Pro ability, and franchise cornerstone.
Only Ja’Marr Chase is listed as a franchise cornerstone with JSN and Justin Jefferson in the All-Pro tier, but only one point behind Chase.
So, where do Pittman, Jr. and Metcalf rank? Both receivers fall into the reliable contributor tier at number 46 (Pittman, Jr.) and 38 (Metcalf).
46. Michael Pittman, Jr, Age: 28, Overall Grade: 73
“Michael Pittman is a dependable, high-volume possession wide receiver. He is an instinctive player who diagnoses coverages quickly post-snap. Pittman excels working in the middle of the field on in-breakers, where his big frame is an advantage. He welcomes being the glue guy and working in higher-traffic areas and on quick-passing/underneath concepts. Pittman is a willing and effective run blocker at the point of attack, but also looks to block defenders on long breakaway runs. He’s a consistent player with a safe floor and expectations.”
The highest grades received for the former Colts receiver are route running (15/20) and hands (19/25). Parson believes YAC isn’t a big part of Pittman’s game and he’s not wrong grading the receiver at 4/10.
38. D.K. Metcalf, Age: 28, Overall Grade: 74
“DK Metcalf is a part of an NFL passing offense that averages under 200 yards per game. He is one of the most physically imposing receivers in the league. He is an established big-body pass catcher with explosiveness. Metcalf’s productivity has tapered off over the last two seasons. Regardless, he poses a dangerous threat to defenses. His speed, acceleration, and strength put defenders in conflict after the catch. He can either run past defenders or run through them for extra yards. Metcalf is still capable of taking over games with above-average quarterback play. He remains a good and quality starting receiver and playmaker.”
Parson dinged the receiver duo for the overall offense, but that does have a chance to change with McCarthy as the head coach. Metcalf’s grades are solid to great in nearly each category, but route running (14/20), hands (18/25), football IQ (15/20), and athleticism (13/15) are his best attributes.
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