Pittsburgh Steelers: 5 players who must improve for Super Bowl run

PITTSBURGH, PA - DECEMBER 31, 2017: Head coach Mike Tomlin of the Pittsburgh Steelers yells toward an official in the third quarter of a game on December 31, 2017 against the Cleveland Browns at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Pittsburgh won 28-24. (Photo by: 2017 Nick Cammett/Diamond Images/Getty Images) /

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PITTSBURGH, PA – DECEMBER 31: Darrius Heyward-Bey #88 of the Pittsburgh Steelers reacts after a 29 yard touchdown run in the first quarter during the game against the Cleveland Browns at Heinz Field on December 31, 2017 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images) /

4. Darrius Heyward-Bey

Currently, ourlads.com projects Heyward-Bey to be the primary backup behind Juju Smith-Schuster at the Steelers’ right wide receiver spot. It’s possible he won’t hold the position down through training camp, but if he does, he simply has to improve his productivity from 2017.

Last year he was dreadful. He only managed a pair of catches for a grand total of 47 yards despite playing all 16 games. It would be hard for him to have a less productive season in 2018.

In fairness to Heyward-Bey, Martavis Bryant was clearly the Steelers’ third wide receiver last year. After his trade to Oakland, it opens up an opportunity for Heyward-Bey to enjoy a career renaissance of sorts.

If he intends to play a lot of snaps on offense for this team, he’ll need to beat out rookie James Washington to be his team’s third wideout. If that happens, Heyward-Bey needs to prove he’s a receiver Ben Roethlisberger can trust. He’s never going to be a consistent target, but he can be another explosive weapon for Big Ben if he plays up to his full potential.

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