The Pittsburgh Steelers' passing attack is poised to be much better in 2023 with quarterback, Kenny Pickett, entering his first full season as the team's starter. Pickett will also have an improved group of pass catchers. The team added veteran wide receiver, Allen Robinson II, via a trade with the Los Angeles Rams and will welcome back 2022 fourth-round pick, Calvin Austin III, after he missed his entire rookie campaign due to a foot injury. Both receivers will join Diontae Johnson and George Pickens as the top-four receivers on the depth chart. As far as which other players will occupy the last two spots, the Steelers have a variety of options to choose from.
Perhaps the wide receiver outside of the top-four with the best chance of making the roster in 2023 is Miles Boykin. At 6'4" and 220 pounds, Boykin is an immensely physically gifted player who gives the Steelers a viable option in the red zone as well as pass blocking. Furthermore, the former Baltimore Ravens' draft pick is an absolute menace on special teams. He was arguably the Steelers' best player on the unit in 2022 and figures to be a major component as well this upcoming season.
Do The Steelers View Boykin As Simply A Special Teams Ace?
Boykin's value on special teams is enough to warrant him making the team, but what about on offense? A wide receiver with impressive size and above average speed could certainly play at least a handful of snaps a game on the offensive side of the ball, right? Difficult to answer at this point in the offseason, but definitely possible. Perhaps the biggest determining factor in the role Boykin will play on offense in 2023 is Austin III, who is a bit of a question mark at this point in the offseason.
While the Steelers have already voiced their excitement for the former fourth-round pick, it is still yet to be seen of whether or not he is durable enough to sustain the wear and tear that comes with playing in the NFL. At only 5'9" and 162 pounds, Austin III is somewhat limited in what he can do as a receiver, and will likely be limited to playing snaps inside the numbers during his time in Pittsburgh. This may end up being in the favor of Boykin. If the Steelers have specific formational groupings in which they shift either Johnson or Pickens to the slot, Boykin would be able to come in and play on the outside. He has proven he is capable of adding value as a receiver, as he amassed over 450 yards and and seven touchdowns during his first two seasons with the Ravens.
Final Thoughts
The Steelers' crop of wide receivers going into this upcoming season is one of the most talented the team has had in quite some time. There is a nice mix of young, promising players such as Pickens and Austin III combined with veterans, Johnson and Robinson, who have the ability to serve in a leadership role. All things considered, the Pickett-led offense has all the necessary tools to make some big time plays in the passing game in 2023.
While the top-four receivers are firmly established, it is never a bad idea to have backups who are more than capable of playing at a high level. Boykin is a tremendous example of this. Furthermore, if he plays exceedingly well over the course of training camp and preseason, he may even carve out himself a role in specific formations. The Steelers' decision to re-sign the former Ravens' third-round pick may have been ultimately tied to his strong performance on special teams in 2022, but do not be surprised if he ends up playing a bigger role on offense than what many people anticipate in 2023.
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