Andrew Hawkins Calls Steelers’ WR Additions One Of NFL’s Most ‘Underrated’ Revamps

The Pittsburgh Steelers’ offense has been tough to watch in recent years. While it was one of the best units in the league a decade ago, it hasn’t even been close to that level since before even Ben Roethlisberger retired. Part of that is because the Steelers have struggled to field a complete wide receiver room. However, they worked hard to change that this offseason, and former NFL receiver Andrew Hawkins doesn’t think Pittsburgh is getting enough credit for that.

“I think what they’ve done with their receiving corps is one of the underrated revamps in the NFL,” Hawkins said recently on ESPN’s NFL Live. “You have DK Metcalf, you have Michael Pittman Jr., Germie Bernard in the slot, and Roman Wilson is having an incredible camp. That’s significant. On the surface, it feels like Bernard and Roman Wilson are battling.

“I think that four-receiver stable is going to be the catalyst for this Pittsburgh Steeler[s] offense. You have a little bit of everything. Roman Wilson can get down the field, and Aaron Rodgers needs that.”

Running back Kenneth Gainwell led the Steelers in catches last year. Also, DK Metcalf was Pittsburgh’s only wide receiver who had over 500 yards, finishing the year with 850, while Calvin Austin III had the next most at 372.

The Steelers couldn’t enter this season without addressing receiver. Not surprisingly, one of their first offseason moves was trading for Michael Pittman Jr., a sixth-year veteran. He was a steady presence for the Indianapolis Colts, despite their inconsistency at quarterback. He’s had at least 1,000 yards twice in a season, and he’s gotten close a few other times.

Pittman instantly gives the Steelers’ receiver room a boost. He should be a nice No. 2 opposite Metcalf. And he wasn’t the only addition to that room.

The Steelers traded up in the second round to draft Germie Bernard. He brings a different skill set than Metcalf and Pittman. Bernard isn’t as big as them, but he’s a threat with the ball in his hands, almost looking like a running back at times.

Also, as Hawkins said, Wilson has had a solid training camp. His NFL career has been disappointing to this point, including getting benched late last year. However, he’s still a young player, and maybe this will be the year that he finally starts to put it all together.

While the Steelers’ receiver room still has more questions than answers, it’s much better than it has been in recent years. Rodgers has plenty of weapons to work with now. With Mike McCarthy calling plays as well, there’s hope that Pittsburgh’s offense will finally take noticeable steps forward.