On the whole, the Pittsburgh Steelers have an excellent track record of drafting wide receivers; in fact, many consider them to be the leading NFL franchise in drafting and developing wideouts over the past 2 decades (and more).
Pittsburgh Steelers Seem To Have A Knack For Drafting Quality Wide Receivers
What’s more impressive: the Steelers haven’t spent a 1st round draft pick on the receiver position since selecting Santonio Holmes with the #25 pick back in 2006, nearly 20 years ago. Although Holmes did not exactly become a legend of the game, the Ohio State alum did produce 4 excellent seasons with Pittsburgh, including winning the MVP for Super Bowl XLIII in their win over the Arizona Cardinals.
In more recent history, the league’s joint most decorated franchise (along with the New England Patriots), has hit on Day 2 (NFL draft rounds 2 & 3) receivers, Diontae Johnson, George Pickens and Juju Smith Schuster over the past 6 years, and have just spent a 3rd round pick on Michigan wide receiver, Roman Wilson, in this past draft.
The Pittsburgh Steelers’ Forgotten Man Coming Out Of The Shadows
One name that is often overlooked in Pittsburgh Steeler discussions is former Oklahoma State standout, James Washington. Washington had an impressive sophomore year in 2019, leading the Steelers in receiving yards over Pro Bowler, Juju Smith Schuster, who at the time was coming off of his best season in 2018, during which he attained 1,426 receiving yards.
Although Washington failed to kick on to the next level in his subsequent two years, partially due to the emergence of now Carolina Panther, Diontae Johnson, he was bought in on a 1 year contract by the Dallas Cowboys, but sadly suffered an injured left foot followed by a fractured right foot before the season could start.
Having not been able to land a spot on an NFL in-season roster since then, many assumed Washington’s career to be over, with retirement just a formality at this point.
Yet, it seems like this may not be the case, as Jeremy Fowler reports that Washington could be set for somewhat of a revival in 2024.
Wide receiver James Washington is attempting an NFL comeback after missing most of the last two seasons due to a jones fracture. A second-round pick of the Steelers, Washington has received multiple inquires from teams and could be trying out for them soon https://t.co/YSCiszxLV1
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) June 20, 2024
James Washington Could Be Set To Return After 2 Years
Although he did not manage to appear in a single game in 2023, it seems like the former Steeler is still a wanted man in league circles amidst this final, need-specific wave of free agency before training camp begins in mid-July.
Despite their lack of depth at the position, it seems unlikely at this point that James Washington would seriously consider a move back to the team that drafted him, likely preferring a franchise with a clear Washington-shaped hole in their depth chart, and a more established quarterback at the helm over the Russell Wilson/Justin Fields borderline competition that will inevitably ensue over the course of the 2024 Steelers training camp.
The Atlanta Falcons could be an intriguing name to watch, with team that is ready to compete now, an established Pro Bowl starter in Kirk Cousins – although it is possible we see rookie, Michael Penix Jr. sooner rather than later – and no clear starters behind #1 receiver, Drake London, with former Chicago Bear, Darnell Mooney, and Arizona Cardinal, Rondale Moore, an unconvincing #2 and #3 duo.
Let’s hope that Washington is able to get back to his feet and find himself a team that allows him to get back on track and back to making some of the spectacular plays – like this one below – that once made him one of the more promising offensive talents in the NFL half a decade ago.
Everybody is burying the lede here: Note that James Washington made this catch from the LEFT side of the offense. 98% of his catches in college were on right side of offense. Several things to get excited about on this ONE play. #Steelers pic.twitter.com/0TVEVwMGDU
— Steelers Depot 7⃣ (@Steelersdepot) August 10, 2019
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