The Pittsburgh Steelers got a surprise standout so far during training camp in the receiver room Former Memphis receiver Roc Taylor has been turning heads and could be in contention to take Scotty Miller’s roster spot by the Steelers’ preseason opener. Taylor was Seth Henigan’s top target at Memphis last season and he’s flexing his skillset in the NFL. He’s gained a lot of attention at training camp and could be a surprise this season.
The Steelers need help in the receiver room. Not just because Aaron Rodgers is older and probably not elevating a lesser talented offense like he did in his early years, but because outside of DK Metcalf, there aren't many other threats on this offense.
Taylor showing how talented he is can be the best thing for the Steelers. Their receiver room has a lot of role players and depth, but not enough weapons that will make this team better. Roman Wilson has had his moments, but the Steelers are probably growing impatient waiting to see what his impact will be. Robert Woods is old and not going to have the impact he once had and Calvin Austin III has potential to be a big play threat, but he’s closer to being a third option.
Roc Taylor has a clear path to making the Steelers’ 53-man roster with training camp surge
If Taylor can make a massive impression during Pittsburgh’s first NFL preseason game this week, it would go a long way to helping him make the 53-man roster. I feel like the Steelers are desperate for one of their rostered receivers to step up to avoid having to make anymore trades or adding anymore salary.
Taylor has the best shot at being that player for them. There’s a world in which Taylor makes it with Austin, Metcalf and Woods rounding out the receiver room. Woods is more of a veteran presence with a chance to have a decent season, but right now, the pressure is on Metcalf to carry the passing game.
Rodgers needs more than Metcalf. Taylor is showing he’s ready for a bigger role. Again, one week of training camp isn’t going to earn you a roster spot. But he can do enough to prove he’s better for the Steelers than Miller. While Austin and Wilson are duking it out for the other starting receiver spots, there’s room for Taylor.
If he’s practicing the way he is now, there’s no way the Steelers let him walk. He needs to consistently stand out in practice and continue to have his name coming up in conversations with the coaches. This team has a secret weapon and if they don’t bring him onto the Week 1 roster, they’ll end up regretting it.