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Steelers: 3 training camp battles that could define our season

By Jarrett Bailey

PITTSBURGH, PA - MAY 16: Head coach Mike Tomlin of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on during rookie minicamp at the Pittsburgh Steelers Training Facility on May 16, 2014 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - MAY 16: Head coach Mike Tomlin of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on during rookie minicamp at the Pittsburgh Steelers Training Facility on May 16, 2014 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) /
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ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK – DECEMBER 13: James Washington #13 of the Pittsburgh Steelers celebrates a touchdown against the Buffalo Bills with JuJu Smith-Schuster #19 and Chase Claypool #11 during the second quarter in the game at Bills Stadium on December 13, 2020 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images)
ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK – DECEMBER 13: James Washington #13 of the Pittsburgh Steelers celebrates a touchdown against the Buffalo Bills with JuJu Smith-Schuster #19 and Chase Claypool #11 during the second quarter in the game at Bills Stadium on December 13, 2020 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images) /

3. Wide Receiver: Chase Claypool vs. Diontae Johnson vs. James Washington

It’s hard to call this a battle, but the Steelers wide receiver group is as deep as any in the NFL and they will all be vying for targets in 2021. We know that JuJu Smith-Schuster is going to be the de facto No. 1 receiver, but these three guys will want to get their share, as well.

All three of these receivers bring something different to the table. Chase Claypool has the most physical presence, Diontae Johnson is the best route runner and more fine tuned than his two counterparts, and James Washington has the most reliable hands. Claypool had a big coming out party against the Eagles where he had four touchdowns, but somewhat disappeared in the second half of the season.

While Diontae Johnson may be the best overall receiver out of the three, he also has the most to prove after leading the NFL in drops in 2020. Out of the three, you could make the argument that James Washington is most deserving of more targets. He went from 80 targets in 2019 to just 56 in 2020.

However the Steelers divvy up their targets, and after the tumultuous ending to the 2020 season, all three of these young receivers have some sort of chip on their shoulders, and by all accounts will need to be effective if the Steelers want to have any sort of success in 2021.

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